Abel Azcona

DESCRIPTION OF THE WORK

The work would turn the murderer into an artist and the corpse into the work of art itself.

The Death of the Artist is a performance presented at the Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid. Azcona, for ideological or religious reasons, had received threats, being persecuted or attacked due to the exhibitions of his works, as a consequence of this the artist sent more than twenty letters of invitation to the entities that had threatened, denounced, persecuted or attacked him so that participate in the performance. In the performance, we find Azcona in a waiting position, facing a firearm ready so that guests and visitors could use it.

“I write these words just as I finish the piece La Muerte del Artista. A few minutes ago I went up the stairs of the Círculo de Bellas Artes in Madrid. Dozens of people have looked at me for almost two hours, from below. Condescending, defiant and friendly looks. I totally did not know who was going to attend. Similarly, he did not know what was going to happen. I’ve been scared. The gun was used, shouted, tension breathed. I’m still alive, even though I’ve said many times that I was born dead. I think this project has been a great conclusion, an end and a beginning. Understanding death as part of the work makes sense if you understand each artistic creation as a process. If a work where fundamentalism is denounced ends your life at the hands of a believer who considers shooting you, the meaning of the piece is not only legitimized but also grows exponentially. I believe that this piece can be a collective empowerment in the current situation of persecution of artists and creators ”.

Full-work content description

2 fotografías

Impresión digital sobre sobre papel fotográfico mate, gramaje medio

200 x 300 cm

20 cartas firmadas por el artista.

29,7 x 21 cm

8 fotografías documentación performance

Impresión digital sobre sobre papel fotográfico mate, gramaje medio

30 x 40 cm

Instalación incluye 1 fotografía, 20 cartas, peana y arma de fuego