Artist Dodi Espinosa tells the fascinating story behind the artwork 'El día del burro' (2018). The work refers to his past as an (illegal) migrant and a victim of abuse of power and inequality. It helped him process his past in an almost therapeutic way.
In making this work, Espinosa deliberately did not go along with what Western art lovers consider tasteful. He resolutely refused to go along with what is expected of him as an artist. Although history is often written by winners, Espinosa believes that a lot of other perspectives, stories and formal languages are at least as interesting.
The work, which belongs to the Mu.ZEE collection, is temporarily on display during MAS Darling in the Art from Pre-Columbian America exhibition on the 8th floor, where it is in direct dialogue with the powerful work 'Sculpture group of a warrior with two dogs'.
Practical
- What: artist talk with Dodi Espinosa
- When: 9 August, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm
- From 5pm you can visit the expo 'Art from Pre-Columbian America' expo
- Where: expo 8th floor / Talk: MASbox
- Cost: €15 (-26 year: €8)
- Language: English
Reservations
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Who is Dodi Espinosa?
Dodi Espinosa (MX, 1985) is an interdisciplinary Latin American artist originating from the vibrant heart of Mexico City, where the colourful tapestry of archeology, shamanism and syncretism shaped his worldview and artistic sensibility. Now a Belgian citizen he calls Antwerp his home. His creations encompass performance, installation, objects, painting, workshops, among others. Each infused with inspirations from archaeology, sacral art, pop and indigenous cultures, and his characteristic tongue in cheek.
His works have earned places in institutional and museum collections in both Belgium and the Netherlands; amplifying the cross-cultural dialogues he aims to cultivate. The artworks of Espinosa are more than just visual expressions; they are profound messages and calls to societal awakening. He reflects on a myriad of societal challenges, from mental health and identity to race and sexuality. His art acts as a bridge, linking the past with the present, the deeply personal with the universal. As a queer voice with a postcolonial lens, he offers a unique and confessional perspective, pushing boundaries and prompting deeper introspection on issues that touch us all.
While his initial work gravitated towards object-based art, his recent endeavours over the last years reflect a conceptual shift towards social experimentation, installation, painting, performance and a more collective paradigm.
Dodi Espinosa had a solo exhibition at Beautiful Distress, Amsterdam (2022). He also took part in group exhibitions in M HKA (in collaboration with. NICC), Antwerp (2019), the Fries Museum, Leeuwarden (NL, 2020), W139, Amsterdam (2020) and Mu.Zee, Ostend (2019 and 2022). His work is incorporated in the collections of Fries Museum, Mu.Zee, Museum van de Geest and the AkzoNobel art Foundation.
