2022 - Distances and proximities

In its first art exhibition of the 2023 season, the Argentine Embassy inaugurated “Open Borders.” This unique exhibition, curated by Lorena Mercado, brings together two distinct projects by the artist Paloma Marquez. One, “Distances and Proximities,” is a selection of acrylic paintings on canvas, and the other, an interactive electronic art installation called “PetroLumen.”

FROM THE SERIES “DISTANCES AND PROXIMITIES”

In Paloma Marquez’s works, a recurring figure stands out, one that can be singular or plural.

This figure originated in her adolescence, in her school notebooks when she lived in Chilecito (La Rioja, Argentina), and has accompanied her throughout her artistic career. This figure represents the being within us; in the singular, it is diversity, difference, and questioning; in the plural, it is society, the masses that participate in

common actions. Paloma narrates stories, highlighting everyday, real-life situations and bringing them to light through this character.

PETROLUMEN

Riverbeds are a prehistoric and constant source of movement. As they flow, they carve out rivers like veins that run for kilometers, forging paths. Their currents present themselves as an energetic, tireless, and stubborn dance, instinctively seeking their course. The artwork materializes as a light sculpture. Its structure is

composed of a series of crystal polyester resin rocks designed as unique pieces and arranged to form channels and patterns allegorical to the flow of water. Each translucent stone conceals a light (RGB LED) behind it. An electronic control system endows the group of rocks with choreographic patterns of colors and rhythms, materializing the

metaphor. The software will be custom-developed for the project and shared openly.