Reimagining Mining Heritage: Natalia Pastor’s New Exhibition at La Térmica Cultural
A new contemporary art exhibition has arrived at La Térmica Cultural, inviting visitors to explore the intersections of labor history, gender, and regional identity. Organized by the Ciudad de la Energía Foundation (CIUDEN), the showcase features the work of Asturian creator Natalia Pastor in an exhibition titled Latidos de la escombrera (Heartbeats of the Slag Heap). Located in the Espacio Patrimonio within the venue's main lobby, this thought-provoking installation is completely free to access and will remain open to the public until next year.
What to Expect at the "Latidos de la escombrera" Exhibition
The exhibition serves as a visual and symbolic journey through the collective memory of industrial communities. Pastor utilizes a diverse range of artistic mediums—specifically photography and embroidered textiles—to bridge the gap between historical struggles and contemporary social themes.
A major highlight of the display is a creative reinterpretation of the iconic painting Liberty Leading the People. In Pastor's version, the classic symbol of revolution is transplanted into the context of coal mining basins, offering a sharp, occasionally ironic commentary on the fight for gender equality within traditionally male-dominated labor movements. By centering the female perspective in these industrial spaces, the exhibition highlights the crucial yet often overlooked role women played in working-class history.
A Collaborative Tribute to Regional History
Active visitor participation is a core element of this installation. Pastor has introduced an interactive, community-driven component featuring a traditional industrial boiler suit. Visitors are invited to write down their own words, memories, slogans, or drawings connected to the mining legacy of the Bierzo region directly onto the garment.
Following this collaborative phase, the artist will hand-embroider these community contributions into the fabric. This collective textile piece will then be integrated directly back into the exhibition, transforming personal memories into a shared monument of local heritage.
About the Artist
Born in Pola de Laviana in 1970, Natalia Pastor is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice frequently examines how territory, industry, and collective identity shape human experience. Her previous solo projects, such as Poética de la escombrera, Barricada doméstica, and Ring Doméstico, have similarly explored the boundaries of domestic life, labor, and public memory.
Planning Your Visit
For those looking to experience Latidos de la escombrera in person, the venue is open weekly during the following hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday: 10:00 to 16:00
- Friday and Saturday: 10:00 to 22:00
- Sunday: 10:00 to 16:00
To discover more unique art spaces and local cultural landmarks, use Musemap (musemap.art) to plan your next outing. You can browse museums in the area, explore the local cultural scene on our interactive map, or check out what's on during your visit.
