South likes: Abraham Cruzvillegas at Haus Der Kunst, Munich
South likes: Abraham Cruzvillegas at Haus Der Kunst, Munich
The Autoconstrucción Suites
Haus Der Kunst, Munich, Germany
25 January – 25 May, 2014
Chosen by Abraham Cruzvillegas to describe his art, the term “Autocontrucción” refers to improvised practices and techniques of construction that are widespread in his native city, Mexico DF. In his first retrospective exhibition, the artist initiates an interesting dialogue between the inside and the outside world by reproducing samples of self-constructed architectures inside the gallery space. The DIY projects reflect the specific needs of the families involved—their growth, crises and adaptations to important events. Engaging the entire community of family members and neighbours in the creation of the self-built settlement, this “autoconstrucción” becomes a product of human solidarity.
Cruzvillegas’ large-scale sculptures introduce a new use of everyday materials, commenting on the different “identities” of objects that emerge out of re-use. His anarchic, recycled house constructions reflect the social needs that produced them, as well as the scarcity of means and the ability to adapt and produce “something, out of nothing”. Having lived in the self-built area of Ajusco for more than twenty years, Cruzvillegas’ work is highly personal, acting as a metaphor for the ever-changing human spirit and social evolution processes.
Jorgina Stamogianni