Artworks
Brexit
sculpture


Date
2017
Technique
Inkjet printing with UVI ink on feathers
Dimensions
75 x 55 cm
Avelino Sala's multimedia works delve into social and cultural pressing issues such as frontiers, racism, globalization, power, and political upheaval. Arguably most central to his practice is the question of identities whose conceptions are associated with territory, currency, flags, nations and states.
- Dream Catcher Run Away Plan (Brexit)
evokes a Native American dreamcatcher made of feathers on which the European flags are photo-printed in UV inks, resulting in vivid colours. The European Union is represented as a whole, symbolised by the perfectly regular bonding of the feathers on a hoop. The United Kingdom, that was part of them, stands outside the circle, suspended to the end of a thread. Thus, the installation is a direct reference to the British Exit, namely Brexit, decided in June 2016, following a UK-wide referendum to which 52% voted in favour of the withdrawal.
The extreme lightness and delicacy of the circular piece evoke not only the fragility of each state represented by its respective printed flag, but also that of the union itself. The analogy between the European Union and a dreamcatcher, which is a protective and magical apotropaic object against evil or misfortune, reinforces the idea that this fragile project needs to be protected from disharmony and division drives. Reaching a favourable and beneficial state of joint forces and communion is only made possible by cooperation, solidarity and collective participation.
Despite standing aside from the group, under the hoop, the United Kingdom is still attached to it by a blue strand, the colour of the UN and EU flags, and which is traditionally associated with ideas of harmony and loyalty. Nevertheless, as evoked by its title, the artwork may be seen as a subtle protest against the European dream's contested evolution and the loss of one of its major members as a result.
- Dream Catcher Run Away Plan (Brexit)
evokes a Native American dreamcatcher made of feathers on which the European flags are photo-printed in UV inks, resulting in vivid colours. The European Union is represented as a whole, symbolised by the perfectly regular bonding of the feathers on a hoop. The United Kingdom, that was part of them, stands outside the circle, suspended to the end of a thread. Thus, the installation is a direct reference to the British Exit, namely Brexit, decided in June 2016, following a UK-wide referendum to which 52% voted in favour of the withdrawal.
The extreme lightness and delicacy of the circular piece evoke not only the fragility of each state represented by its respective printed flag, but also that of the union itself. The analogy between the European Union and a dreamcatcher, which is a protective and magical apotropaic object against evil or misfortune, reinforces the idea that this fragile project needs to be protected from disharmony and division drives. Reaching a favourable and beneficial state of joint forces and communion is only made possible by cooperation, solidarity and collective participation.
Despite standing aside from the group, under the hoop, the United Kingdom is still attached to it by a blue strand, the colour of the UN and EU flags, and which is traditionally associated with ideas of harmony and loyalty. Nevertheless, as evoked by its title, the artwork may be seen as a subtle protest against the European dream's contested evolution and the loss of one of its major members as a result.