Colombian artist Delcy Morelos brings her thought-provoking exhibition “El abrazo” (The Embrace) to Dia Chelsea in New York, aiming to evoke the beauty of the land while making sense of Colombia’s history of violence. Using a unique combination of soil mixed with other materials, Morelos’ installations can be smelled, entered, and even touched by visitors, creating an immersive experience that challenges traditional notions of art appreciation. Growing up in a small town in northern Colombia, Morelos has long used her art to examine human violence and the abuse of the land. With a focus on soil and clay, her work showcases a profound reverence for the earth. Dia Chelsea features two of Morelos’ installations, “El abrazo” and “Cielo terrenal” (Earthly Heaven), both of which invite visitors to engage with them, fostering a sense of intimacy and care for the environment. More than just an artist, Morelos is an advocate for new art narratives in Latin America, influenced by Indigenous cultures and believing that the language of geometry holds the key to understanding the complexity and power of the earth.
Colombian artist Delcy Morelos brings her exhibition ‘El abrazo’ (The Embrace) to Dia Chelsea in New York
Colombian artist Delcy Morelos is set to bring her thought-provoking exhibition, ‘El abrazo’ (The Embrace), to the prestigious art space, Dia Chelsea, in New York. Born and raised in a small town in northern Colombia, Morelos has developed a deep connection to her land and uses her art to explore themes of violence and abuse, both towards humans and the environment. With a focus on soil and clay, she showcases her reverence for the earth and invites viewers to engage with her installations in a unique and intimate way.
Background
Growing up in a small town in northern Colombia, Morelos witnessed firsthand the impact of violence and abuse on both the people and the land. This upbringing deeply influenced her artistic journey and motivated her to examine these complex issues through her work. Morelos recognized the power of art as a means of communication and expression, allowing her to shine a light on the atrocities and struggles faced by her community.
Using art as her medium, Morelos delves into the intricate relationship between humans and the environment. By incorporating soil and clay into her installations, she symbolizes the connection between humanity and the earth. Through her art, she aims to evoke a sense of beauty in the land and make sense of Colombia’s history of violence, allowing viewers to reflect on their own relationship with the natural world.
The Exhibition
Morelos’ installations are characterized by their unique and immersive nature. Utilizing soil mixed with various materials, she creates multi-sensory experiences that can be smelled, entered, and touched by visitors. By encouraging direct interaction with her art, Morelos aims to foster a deeper emotional connection between the viewer and the themes she explores.
At Dia Chelsea, Morelos will be showcasing two of her most captivating installations, ‘El abrazo’ and ‘Cielo terrenal’ (Earthly Heaven). ‘El abrazo’ is a deeply personal installation that delves into the concept of embracing and connecting with the land. Through an intricate arrangement of soil, clay, and natural elements, Morelos creates a space where viewers can physically experience the embrace of the earth.
‘Cielo terrenal’ (Earthly Heaven), on the other hand, explores the intersection of spirituality and the environment. By incorporating elements from Indigenous cultures, Morelos seeks to challenge Western art norms and create a new narrative in Latin American art. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with the installation and reflect on their own spirituality while being surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Challenging Western Art Norms
Morelos’ work goes beyond mere aesthetics and challenges Western art norms by disrupting the concept of land rights. In many Western societies, land is often seen as a commodity to be owned and exploited. However, Morelos draws inspiration from Indigenous cultures that view the land as a sacred entity to be respected and cared for. Her art serves as a powerful statement against the exploitation of the earth and calls for a reevaluation of our relationship with nature.
In addition to challenging land rights, Morelos’ art is heavily influenced by Indigenous cultures in Latin America. By incorporating elements from various indigenous traditions, she seeks to reclaim the narratives that have been suppressed or marginalized. Through her work, she aims to amplify the voices and stories of Indigenous communities, ultimately creating a broader and more inclusive dialogue in Latin American art.
The Language of Geometry
Morelos believes that geometry holds the key to understanding the complexity and power of the earth. By utilizing geometric shapes and patterns in her installations, she seeks to communicate the harmony and interconnectivity that exists within nature. Each shape and line represents a unique aspect of the natural world, coming together to form a larger whole.
Geometry has long been associated with rationality and order, but Morelos challenges this perception by infusing her work with organic forms and textures. She highlights the inherent beauty in the irregularities and imperfections found in nature, reminding viewers of the complexity and diversity that exists within the earth.
Through her use of geometry, Morelos encourages viewers to contemplate the intricate web of relationships that exist between humans, the environment, and the larger universe. By exploring these connections, she prompts us to reflect on our responsibility to care for and protect the earth.
In conclusion, Delcy Morelos’ exhibition ‘El abrazo’ at Dia Chelsea offers a unique and immersive experience for viewers to engage with the themes of violence, abuse, and reverence for the earth. Her installations challenge Western art norms by disrupting the concept of land rights and incorporating Indigenous perspectives. By utilizing the language of geometry, Morelos seeks to deepen our understanding of the earth and inspire a sense of intimacy and care for the environment. Through her work, she aims to create new narratives in Latin American art and spark meaningful conversations about the relationship between humans and the natural world.
