THAT’S CONTEMPORARYHMW 022021

In our second video, created in collaboration with Viasaterna, we delve into the enduring nature of art and its ability to withstand the test of time. 

Opening with a quote by Gio Ponti, "The most resistant material in construction is art," we highlight the notion that certain ideas and artistic works possess an inherent resilience, remaining receptive to change and adaptable to the evolving world around them.

The set design featured in the video transports viewers to a grand structure of bygone magnificence, now in a state of decline. 

Reminiscent of an archaeological site, the building is protected by PVC tents, preserving its newfound treasure: the artwork "G.E.A." (2020) by Cristòbal Gracia (Mexico City, 1987). 

Gracia's artistic practice is rooted in extensive historical research, giving birth to connections between different eras and past events.


During his residency at the Bikini Art Residency on Lake Como, Gracia delved into the imaginative qualities emanating from this idyllic landscape. 

He traced the concept of the "third nature" as a constant presence from the Renaissance to the present day.

Evidence of this can be found in the Mannerist artificial caves, concrete statues, and decorative constructions within gardens and villas, all serving as tangible reflections of human imagination intertwined with nature.

By bringing together elements of decay, protection, and historical research, we aim to showcase the timeless and transformative power of art. It serves as a testament to our ability to create enduring connections between past, present, and future. 

Just as the artwork and its protective shelter coexist within the decaying building, art has the capacity to transcend temporal boundaries and inspire contemplation, reflection, and evolution.