TO LOSE YOUR HEAD (IDOLS) - Catalonia in Venice

Catalonia's 2019 Venice Biennale pavilion explored the life of public statues and the capacity of artworks to possess agency. The collective artist book, To Lose Your Head (Idols), includes written and artistic reflections on the theme, exploring the idea of artistic agency and the passions sparked by figurative sculpture. Pedro Azara, an architect, archaeologist, and professor of aesthetics, explores the perception of images as living entities, and six contemporary Catalan artists create works and essays in response. The publication includes documentation of the exhibition and accompanying works by playwright Marcel Borràs, architect Tiziano Schürch, and filmmaker Albert García-Alzórriz.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 11 September 2020
Publisher: Editorial Tenov S.L.

Catalonia showcased an immersive exhibition at the 2019 Venice Biennale, delving into the enigmatic realm of public statues and contemplating the profound influence of artworks on possessing agency. The project explores the intricate and often-complex relationship that unfolds between humans and statues, spotlighting a selection of fifteen remarkable figurative sculptures from across Catalonia. These sculptures have experienced a diverse range of emotions, from adoration and reverence to vandalism and destruction, captivating audiences with their ability to evoke intense emotional responses.

To delve deeper into the exhibition's theme, a collective artist book titled "To Lose Your Head (Idols)" has been published, featuring written and artistic reflections that explore the concept of artistic agency. Within this book, the authors examine the passions ignited when engaging with figurative sculpture, shedding light on the transformative power of art.

Architect, archaeologist, and aesthetics professor Pedro Azara takes a captivating perspective, examining the perception of images as living entities. Drawing from the profound reverence and radical iconoclastic urges inspired by works of public art, Azara questions how the Western artistic tradition can still be deeply rooted in animistic beliefs.

Six contemporary Catalan artists—David Bestué, Lúa Coderch, Lola Lasurt, Daniela Ortiz, Perejaume, and Francesc Torres—respond to Azara's inquiry from the vantage point of artistic practice. Through their creations and essays, these artists offer unique insights into the complexities of the human-statue relationship, contributing to the rich tapestry of the exhibition.

The publication also includes comprehensive documentation of the exhibition, showcasing the sculptures in their entirety. Additionally, it features accompanying works by playwright Marcel Borràs, architect Tiziano Schürch, and filmmaker Albert García-Alzórriz, in collaboration with poet Gabriel Ventura.

This captivating exhibition at the 2019 Venice Biennale invites viewers to explore the profound connections between humans and statues, challenging our perceptions and inspiring us to reevaluate the role of art in shaping our world.

Weight: 328g
Dimension: 241 x 167 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788494423444