La Isla Utopía

Casa de Velázquez / Ciudad Universitaria

The very idea of a "University Campus" breaks many schemes and standards of our current society. A "University Campus" must be guided by ideals of living together, sharing knowledge and building future. The ideals of a perfect polis-state. In essence, it should be an island aware of what lies beyond its borders or what comes from the sea, but independent from it.

Thus, the University Campus of Madrid has suffered through time many transformations linked to Spanish history. Mainly political events and, at its end, war, have been the major attempts to conquest or destroy the island, but they have not been and will not be the only ones.

The exhibition La Isla Utopia aims to review, from a contemporary perspective, such an emblematic and symbolic place as is the University Campus due to the events that occurred in that area (historical and / or political); to what symbolize both its natural spaces and monumental recreations (historical or current); or to what they represent in our society (today). The exhibition showcases works from artists from different generations and mentalities, who address the subject from very different approaches. It is not a political exhibit, although the topics discussed are not neutral. Nor is it a historical show, although time is also crucial.

The exhibition La Isla Utopia, curated by hablarenarte:, is part of the artistic projects that take place in the framework of Paisajes de una guerra, a wider multidisciplinary program that includes scientific, historical and artistic activities regarding the past and current situation of the University Campus.

The exhibition will include the work of the artists Bleda y Rosa, Fernando Sánchez Castillo, Miguel Ángel Rego and Alessia Pederzoli, Colectivo Daños Colaterales, Édouard Beau, Olalla Gómez and Marco Godoy. In addition, there will be shown the projects selected by call for publishing a newspaper of artists Pedro Luis Cembranos, Mario Espliego, Diana Larrea, Chema Ledrado, Pepe Medina and Irene Mohedano.

Partners: Casa de Velázquez, Embajada de Francia en Madrid, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Campus de Excelencia Internacional