ANTONIO VEGA MACOTELA
b. 1980At the centre of Antonio Vega Macotela’s practice is a concern with the concepts of time, value, and work. Macotela is known for working with specific communities over a given period of time, during which the artist asks his collaborators to create a work of art in exchange for favours or errands.
For his massive tapestries at Taipei Biennial 2020, Antonio Vega Macotela drew inspiration from the poem Incendio by Mexican poet Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. The works depict burning landscapes releasing heavy smoke. But what is the smoke signal about? Using a technique called ‘steganography’ commonly employed by hackers and activists to hide secret information, the artist wove the codes of a leaked confidential list denouncing tax evaders into the meshes of the work.
The tapestries then gain a double status. On the one hand, they are a meticulously woven image depicting a landscape. On the other hand, they are an archive, listing the citizens whose capital flows through borders and escapes the tax system put in place in the boundaries of their nation states.
Courtesy Taipei Fine Arts Museum and Ocula
Explore and Follow Artists Shaping Contemporary Art
A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services