New Genres: 𝘈𝘭𝘱𝘩𝘢𝘣𝘦𝘵

'𝘈𝘭𝘱𝘩𝘢𝘣𝘦𝘵' by Arantxa Etcheverria at Sector 1 Gallery in Bucharest

January 07, 2025 | Cosmina Marcela OLTEAN ArtPage

The ensemble of works presented by Arantxa Etcheverria (@arantxa_etcheverria) in the exhibition comprises the performance Alphabet, alongside new sculptures and objects reflecting on the visual and symbolical affinities between language and architecture.

Incorporating Suprematist or Constructivist influences, her practice also draws inspiration from religion, tradition or myths. Arantxa Etcheverria (born in 1975, France) lives and works in Bucharest and in France.

The artist studied visual art at Villa Arson in Nice, and scenography and costumes at the National Theatre of Strasbourg. Since 2014, she developed an artistic practice in relation to the Modernist architecture of a forgotten Bucharest, creating works that fascinate with their elegant aesthetics. Whether it is painting, sculpture, installation or photo and video montage, her creations are the result of a meticulous analysis of the geometry of space.

“The performance Alphabet by French artist Arantxa Etcheverria is complementary to her current solo exhibition at Sector 1 Gallery. Since 2014, the practice of Arantxa Etcheverria developed in relation to the modernist architecture of her studio in Bucharest, expanding into new works that fascinate with their elegant aesthetics. Whether it is painting, sculpture, installation or photo and video montage, her creations are the result of a meticulous analysis of the geometry of space.

The performance takes as central inspiration the myth of the Babel tower. In the choreography, the bodies of performers become letters, reproducing one alphabet, speaking of a world where language was the same for all, as it was in the beginning of time before God’s punishment, according to the biblical myth. Etcheverria employs careful attention to the set-up of architectural elements and costumes that form a mise-en-scene. Whilst presenting us with something real, these architectural forms and set-ups also give free reign to the imagination” - curator Cristina Bută.