Delcy Morelos, the enigmatic artist known as the 'Diva of Dirt', has captivated audiences worldwide with her awe-inspiring earthworks. Her latest creation, Origo, is set to open in London's Sculpture Court at the Barbican, marking a significant milestone in her 14-year exploration of our relationship with soil. This immersive installation, which draws inspiration from the artist's Andean cosmovision, invites visitors to embark on a sensory journey, challenging their perceptions of the earth and their place within it.
Morelos' work transcends the ordinary, elevating soil from mere dirt to a revered entity. Her installations, such as The Womb Space in Mexico City, evoke a sense of nostalgia and connection, as visitors are enveloped in the earth's cool embrace, scented with clove and cinnamon. The artist's meticulous curation of soil, even using soil from the region of a 70-year-old visitor, creates a powerful sensory experience that resonates deeply with her audience.
Origo, a 24-meter-wide oval pavilion with cave-like passages, is a testament to Morelos' commitment to creating spaces for introspection and connection. The central patio, designed for rest and meditative activities like tai chi, reflects her consideration of the Londoner's needs. By using organic materials and an egg-like form, Morelos bridges the gap between the natural and the man-made, drawing parallels between the earth and the concrete edifice of the Barbican.
Morelos' artistic journey began in her childhood in Colombia, where she polished earthen floors with her grandmother, fostering a deep appreciation for the earth. Her early works, dominated by the color red, reflected the violence she witnessed in her hometown. However, her subsequent installations, influenced by land art, arte povera, minimalism, and pre-Hispanic architecture, have shifted her focus to the earth as a sacred entity to be cared for, not possessed.
The artist's elevation of the earth challenges the dominant European belief systems that positioned humans at the pinnacle of existence, justifying extractivist practices. Morelos advocates for horizontal relationships with the earth, emphasizing care and listening as essential components of our existence. Her work encourages visitors to contemplate their mortality and the interconnectedness of all life, drawing from the indigenous concept of collective territory.
Origo's free entry policy, a departure from the traditional preservationist approach, symbolizes Morelos' embrace of impermanence. The installation will exist only in the memories of those who experience it, much like the English countryside that passes through seasons. Morelos' emphasis on mystery and magic in her work adds an enigmatic layer to her creations, inviting visitors to explore the unknown and find solace in the earth's embrace.
In conclusion, Delcy Morelos' earthworks, exemplified by Origo, offer a profound exploration of our relationship with the earth. Her work transcends the ordinary, inviting us to reconsider our place in the natural world and the importance of care and connection. As her installations continue to captivate audiences worldwide, Morelos' mission to create spaces for introspection and connection remains a powerful force in the art world.
