The two halves of the planet. Divided by SpY in Plásmata exhibition
10/07/2022.
[Athens] Greece
metalocus, DIEGO DOMÍNGUEZ GONZÁLEZ
metalocus, DIEGO DOMÍNGUEZ GONZÁLEZ
"Divided" is the new work that SpY has presented, following the latest thematic and aesthetic research of the Spanish artist. On this occasion, Athens has been the city where this work has been carried out, in the context «Plásmata: Bodies, Dreams & Data» exhibition organised by Onassis Foundation.
After the realization of "Earth" shown in Madrid, SpY continues this line of work developed now with "Divided" in which the enormous luminous sphere of intense red colour is now divided into two identical halves. Each half is installed on a metal scaffolding structure commonly used in construction.
After the realization of "Earth" shown in Madrid, SpY continues this line of work developed now with "Divided" in which the enormous luminous sphere of intense red colour is now divided into two identical halves. Each half is installed on a metal scaffolding structure commonly used in construction.
Divided by SpY. Photography by Rubén P. Bescós.
Divided by SpY. Photography by Rubén P. Bescós.
Divided by SpY. Photography by Rubén P. Bescós.
Divided by SpY. Photography by Rubén P. Bescós.
Divided by SpY. Photography by Rubén P. Bescós.
Divided by SpY. Photography by Rubén P. Bescós.
Divided by SpY. Photography by Rubén P. Bescós.
Divided by SpY. Photography by Rubén P. Bescós.
Divided by SpY. Photography by Rubén P. Bescós.
Divided by SpY. Photography by Rubén P. Bescós.
Divided by SpY. Photography by Rubén P. Bescós.
Divided by SpY. Photography by Rubén P. Bescós.
Divided by SpY. Photography by Rubén P. Bescós.
Divided by SpY. Photography by Rubén P. Bescós.
Divided by SpY. Photography by Rubén P. Bescós.
Divided by SpY. Photography by Rubén P. Bescós.
The division created in the sphere by SpY increases tension in the dimensions of the work and allows visitors to feel immersed in it, which they can cross by immersing themselves in a corridor full of light, thus becoming part of the proposal. The proposal can be visited in the Greek city from May 23 and will be until July 12.
SpY presents the work as a metaphor for the relationships between our planet and those who inhabit it. "At the heart of the project is the idea that, if the differences were understood not as separation but as complementarity", the differences could be put aside more easily, and it would be easier to recognize the qualities of the opposite to work in the same direction.
SpY presents the work as a metaphor for the relationships between our planet and those who inhabit it. "At the heart of the project is the idea that, if the differences were understood not as separation but as complementarity", the differences could be put aside more easily, and it would be easier to recognize the qualities of the opposite to work in the same direction.
Description of project by SpY
“Divided” by Spanish artist SpY is a huge, luminous "here of an intense red colour," lit in two identical halves.
Each half of the piece is caged within a metal structure built with the kind of scaffolding commonly used in construction. Viewers can traverse the "ace between the two halves, immersing in a light-filled corridor, and effectively becoming part of the artwork itself.
This metaphor of our planet aims to shed light upon the significance of the relations between the earth’s dwellers. At the core of the project lies the idea that, if differences were understood not as separation but as complementarity, mutual rejection could be more easily laid aside, and the qualities of one element would emphasize those of the other.
“Divided” continues a recent line of work developed by SpY at his workshop SpY Studio. Last year the studio deployed the impressive “Earth” at one of the main squares of Madrid city, a highly successful project that made the news around the world.
“Divided” makes part of the international exhibition “Plásmata: Bodies, Dreams, and Data”, produced by the Onassis Foundation.
An ambitious project exploring themes and ideas around bodies after technology, constructed worlds, identities and boundaries. The exhibition features artworks by Refik Anadol, Kimchi and Chips and Dries Verhoeven, among others.
More information
Artists
SpY.
Collaborators
SpY Team production: Antidoto. Exhibition design: Studio Entropia architects.
Dates
From May 23 to July 12 2022.
Location
Pedion tou Areos, Athens, Greece.
Photography
Urban Artist SpY
SpY is an urban artist whose first endeavors date back to the mid-eighties. Shortly after, already a national reference as a graffiti artist, he started to explore other forms of artistic communication in the street. His work involves the appropiation urban elements through transformation or replication, commentary on urban reality, and the interference in its communicative codes.
The bulk of his production stems from the observation of the city and an appreciation of its components, not as inert elements but as a palette of materials overflowing with possibilities. His ludic spirit, careful attention to the context of each piece, and a not invasive, constructive attitude, unmistakably characterize his interventions.
SpY's pieces want to be a parenthesis in the automated inertia of the urban dweller. They are pinches of intention, hidden in a corner for whoever wants to let himself be surprised. Filled with equal parts of irony and positive humor, they appear to raise a smile, incite reflection, and to favor an enlightened conscience.
The bulk of his production stems from the observation of the city and an appreciation of its components, not as inert elements but as a palette of materials overflowing with possibilities. His ludic spirit, careful attention to the context of each piece, and a not invasive, constructive attitude, unmistakably characterize his interventions.
SpY's pieces want to be a parenthesis in the automated inertia of the urban dweller. They are pinches of intention, hidden in a corner for whoever wants to let himself be surprised. Filled with equal parts of irony and positive humor, they appear to raise a smile, incite reflection, and to favor an enlightened conscience.
