Mutatis Mutandis is a latinism that means “changing what must be changed”, an expression that must be understood as “we will continue the same but doing the necessary changes”. The idea behind this new initiative is to activate the outer spaces of Artium with a series of micro-projects that all through a year will spread over the inner place, the façade, the sideways or any other space around the Museum. The purpose is to show the visitor a better view of the Museum and to set out that the contents can be found not only inside the building and that the outside is also part of it.

Curator: Blanca de la Torre

SpY. Piramid

SpY is an artist from Madrid whose first endeavors date back to the mid-eighties. Shortly after, already a national reference as a graffiti artist, he started to explore other forms of artistic communication in the street. His work involves the appropiation urban elements through transformation or replication, commentary on urban reality, and the interference in its communicative codes.

The bulk of his production stems from the observation of the city and an appreciation of its components, not as inert elements but as a palette of materials overflowing with possibilities. His ludic spirit, careful attention to the context of each piece, and a not invasive, constructive attitude, unmistakably characterize his interventions.SpY's pieces want to be a parenthesis in the automated inertia of the urban dweller. They are pinches of intention, hidden in a corner for whoever wants to let himself be surprised. Filled with equal parts of irony and positive humor, they appear to raise a smile, incite reflection, and to favor an enlightened conscience.

Just as SpY has conceived it, the dynamic use of public space aims to involve passers-by in their own city, leaving to one side the monotony that generally absorbs life in large cities. Accordingly, Pirámide, the work he presents at Artium, is in itself a simple, recognisable project, which becomes immediately familiar. SpY has created a pyramid formation with worksite signposting and protective fencing, elements that can be found in any city in the world and which are usually bereft of any artistic value. Installed near the main entrance to the Centre-Museum, in a place frequented by many passers-by, the piece creates a great visual tension in this urban environment dominated by blocks of flats and office buildings and by the large public space around the museum.

From 2013 june 28

About SpY About SC Gallery Press release (pdf)

Pia Camil. Black Square

Pia Camil's intervention proposal for Artium's public space is characterised by the creation of a large-scale walkable cube that, like Malevich's Black Square (1915), results in a fragmented architectural landscape through chromatic cancellation.

Pia Camil investigates the connotations generated by the active use of geometry through the building of a walkable structure, which unlike Suprematism's static intent, takes us back to the universe of Oiticica's Penetrable Filter (1972).

Black Square aims to annul a fragment of the architectural landscape that is structured by the museum. It can be seen that the choice of an everyday material, used to cover one side of the cube, creates an interactive relationship with the piece that is dependent on the distance from which it is viewed.

Curator: Luisa Fuentes Guaza

From 2013 may 2

About Pia Camil

Activities linked to this project:
A conversation with Pia Camil and Luisa Fuentes Guaza
May 2, thursday, 7 pm

Juan Zamora. The Vulture Shadow

Juan Zamora's drawing can be viewed from the museum itself and the surrounding buildings, representing the shadow of a bird measuring over 50 metres long and flying over Artium's internal courtyard. Spectators can thereby project from their imagination a giant vulture that is hovering above and waiting for its opportunity.

The work is part of a series of interventions on the grounds, roofs and façades of buildings in various cities that the artist has produced in New York and Copenhagen, and that he will soon also create in Taipei, Beijing and Australia.

From 2013 march 7

"Making of" (video) From the air (video) About Juan Zamora

Activities linked to this project:
A conversation with Juan Zamora
March 7, thursday, 7 pm
More information