Alicia Martín at Espacio Marzana: Exploring Subjective Narratives in Bilbao
Contemporary art enthusiasts visiting the Bilbao Estuary will find a thought-provoking showcase at Espacio Marzana, where artist Alicia Martín presents her exhibition LO RELATIVO. Known for her distinct sculptural practice, Martín brings a collection of works that examine how stories are framed from deeply personal and subjective viewpoints.
The Book as a Sculptural Medium and Cultural Artifact
At the heart of the exhibition is the book, serving not only as a literary object but as an anthropological and ergonomic artifact. Across various sculptures, photographs, and video works, Martín treats the book as a physical vessel that records the passage of time and mirrors human thought.
Visitors encountering these pieces will notice how the familiar form of the book is frequently reconfigured—twisted, broken, and disrupted beyond standard cataloging or everyday recognition. This deliberate alteration challenges standard perceptions, turning everyday reading material into complex visual statements.
Video and Photographic Explorations
The central focal point of the presentation is the video work MONÓLOGOS. In this piece, the hands of individuals spanning various generations—from children to older adults—are shown physically tearing apart the books they hold. This visual action is paired with an auditory landscape blending Sufi music, Gregorian chants, and Tibetan prayers, creating a repetitive pattern that evokes a hypnotic, trance-like state symbolizing societal and personal transitions.
Complementing the video installation are photographic collages titled HORIZONTE DE SUCESOS and SINGULARIDADES. These works draw inspiration from astrophysical models, mapping the concept of books onto phenomena where space-time curvature approaches infinity, visually translating the structure of a spiraling black hole.
To plan your visit and discover more contemporary venues across the city, explore the Bilbao museums list or browse the interactive city map view on Musemap (musemap.art).
