Memelismos uses sculpture, colour and form to address issues related to the popular imaginary, in an effort to create an archive of memories through objects.

Madrid and the Cibeles Palace, the former headquarters of the Postal Service and one of the city’s most popular landmarks, become the starting point of this project that will allow us to thoroughly study the stories of the city’s residents through objects. The stories, linked to a loved one, take centre stage by giving voice to the participants and inviting them not only to narrate personal issues but also social or family conflicts. In this way, the object becomes the connecting thread between the memories and an excuse for the participants to talk to us about their personal memories that are thus transformed into collective memories. These elements become part of the personal archive of Juanli Carrión and, at the same time, a bond emerges between the artist and the people who have participated in this proposal.

These objects have been transformed and turned into abstract sculptures that have been catalogued by means of a chromatic code. Through colour and form, the artist invites us to think about how there may be a connection between people who form part of the same place. Carrión makes use of society as a repertoire of forms, capturing them and presenting in his work a collective reality and proposing a construction of stories through people, immersing us in an abstract memory of Madrid.

This project is part of Shared Experiences. Collective learning, an annual cycle based on a line of work involving collective learning that proposes a series of projects that turn into exhibitions in which different artists work together with collectives, associations and individuals to develop their proposals.

Curated by: Ana García Alarcón

See the exhibition on Flickr