ALICJA KWADE

Presented in a human scale, the works range from contemplating the ever-expanding universe tothe infinitesimal subatomic realm. Kwade, who is constantly searching for new materials, journeyedto Mexico to develop her latest works for this exhibition. Fascinated by obsidian because of itshistoric relevance, material properties and reflective qualities, Kwade places desk lamps up againstthe polished volcanic rock to create a luminous depiction of celestial bodies surrounded by thedark vacuum of space. Continuing with the unimaginably large, celestial bodies and their movementare represented in a series of mobiles suspended from the ceiling. Depicting what Kwade oftenplayfully points out, that we are quite simply sitting on a rock floating in space. In the Impact series,meticulously arranged brass clock hands are employed to depict clusters of stars as well as thephenomenon of gravity. Moving from the vastness of the cosmos to the subatomic in thesecond-floor gallery, Kwade’s Fruit Quantum visualises the smallest unit yet conceived by sciencein the form of a cast bronze fruit peel. In the patio, a totemic structure Siège du Monde, composedof seven chairs mounted upon seven stone spheres considers intersecting notions such ashumanity’s attempt to control nature and layers of systems of social dominance. Resembling astrand of DNA, the column alludes to the subtle variations in generational transfers of power. Invisualising unimaginable natural phenomena, Kwade sheds a little light on humanity’s endlesssearch for answers and the limitations of our understanding.

Text by Pedro Alonzo. Courtesy OMR, Mexico City.