2023-11-22 15:42:43
María Paz Gaviria gave several details that will be present in the 16th edition of the contemporary art fair.
Photo: Courtesy – Bogotá Chamber of Commerce
Artbo is one of the largest and most relevant cultural events of the year: 113 spaces, 300 artists, 11 sections… How do you manage to organize an event of this magnitude?
Many things have happened. As you notice and say, this year the task has been titanic, starting because we moved buildings. Now we will be in Ágora Bogotá. And well, we introduce new sections, etc. To answer: we started with a lot of time and we paid a lot of attention to the contents. It is regarding uniting the voices of the country’s plastic arts and working in coordination and with a single purpose. Otherwise, it would be impossible. +
Many things have happened. As you notice and say, this year the task has been titanic, starting because we moved buildings. Now we will be in Ágora Bogotá. And well, we introduce new sections, etc. To answer: we started with a lot of time and we paid a lot of attention to the contents. It is regarding uniting the voices of the country’s plastic arts and working in coordination and with a single purpose. Otherwise, it would be impossible. +
In addition to the promotion and circulation of contemporary art in Bogotá, what is the soul and meaning of this fair?
As you say, the great purpose is the promotion and circulation of art, but I would use other words: we work for democratization. For bringing art closer to people. I am convinced that the arts generate spaces for reflection, memory and coexistence that, in a society like ours, play a fundamental role.
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The Site section will look for other avenues that transcend the traditional exhibition format. Can you mention an example?
In the Site section we will have a large installation by the Mapa Teatro collective, which recently exhibited at the Banco de la República, and this will be activated through performance throughout the fair. This seeks to introduce new dynamics so that Artbo feels like a living experience in the space.
Why did you want to explore other exhibition formats? What happens to the traditional…
To broaden the view of the experience of plastic and visual arts in our country. To expand our impact. I told you that I feel that art plays a fundamental role in our society because it stimulates positive and negative feelings. Trying other ways expands that possibility.
How do you perceive the consumption and perception of contemporary art in Bogotá?
I feel absolutely amazed by the growth in consumption not only of contemporary art, but of art in general in Bogotá. When one sees growth in exhibition spaces such as galleries, one might undoubtedly speak of a growth in audiences. We have great expectations because we notice a growing citizen interest.
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You are mentioned as one of the most powerful women in national art. What do you think regarding that way of naming it? Does she identify herself?
I think I have had the opportunity to lead a project that not only includes Artbo, but also circulation projects. That has generated an impact. I feel like a person who makes visible and works to coordinate the union of voices and dissonances as well. I wouldn’t use the term “powerful”, but perhaps it can be explained by what I’m telling you.
What is your definition or perception of contemporary art?
My relationship with contemporary art comes from childhood. From a very young age I made work and I have had the opportunity to see exhibitions, go to artists’ workshops, etc. Contemporary art is an expansion of my being, as well as a kind of vocation of service or mission in which I firmly believe due to its impact on transforming society.
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