'Abridged'
Emilio Moreno at Iziko South African National GalleryClare Butcher's newly launched 'Annex Residency Programme' in collaboration with Iziko South African National Gallery, presents the work of Spanish artist Emilio Moreno. Moreno, the first artist to participate in the programme, will present an ‘Abridged’ configuration of elements from his previous work, linking them with aspects of the research produced during his stay in South Africa this year.
How are cultural values formed? In what ways is the notion of history constructed? – are the questions that led Moreno to South Africa where he has been engaging with a number of national institutions, heritage sites, collections and individual practitioners. Besides studying natural history treasures (such as fossils and prehistoric manifestations) the artist is investigating the historical importance of mining in South Africa as a crossroad between nature, culture and economy. In addition, Emilio Moreno’s interest lies in the stories that make up history, leading him to collaborate with local folklorists to uncover the role of narrative in creating worldviews.
Moreno writes, 'Living in an historical moment of change, in which the values that once supported the idea of the welfare state seem to be obsolete in Europe – when culture and citizenship are being reduced to market viability – it seems fundamental to research what I consider the 3 basic pillars supporting our construction of different notions of value. In my project Other Issues (2010-11) I focused on currency as a consequence of the relationships between people. And in The Order Book (Thin Air Road For Dorothy) (2012) I investigated language as mankind’s attempt to define the world in order to take a position. During my research period in South Africa I’d like to concentrate on the third aspect – the notion of History – approaching it from two perspectives: a) nature and its so-called wisdom (evolution) and b) the accumulation of experience, knowledge and beliefs: culture.'
For more information visit http://annexresidency.tumblr.com or email annexresidency@gmail.com
Catch Emilio Moreno at 2pm on Saturday when he will present his recent work.
01 September - 01 September