Duvier Del Dago – XV Bienal de La Habana – La Lavanderia
Duvier del Dago @ XV Havana Biennial – La Lavandería
Calle 54, e/ 27 y 29, La Habana
The venue was formerly an old laundry, which a collection of artists purchased and repurposed into an art venue.
| Project #3 | Instalation |
| Untitled, 2024 | |
| Wood, thread, artificial silk, ultraviolet light |
Artist Statement
Another project I’m working on, parallel to the Bienal, uses leftover materials of thread and ultraviolet light. I’m developing it in the laundry space in Buenavista, specifically in the studio of Rafael Blanco and Mayito from The Merger. In celebration of the 55th anniversary concert of Los Van Van, I’m constructing an inverted ISA (Instituto Superior de Arte) skylight within the actual skylight of the laundry space.
This experimental project transforms the space into an interplay of perspectives and light effects, honoring both the legacy of Los Van Van and the iconic architecture of the ISA. Through the use of ultraviolet light and thread structures, I aim to create a visual experience that invites viewers to interact with the space in a dynamic world of light and shadow, where architecture is inverted and redefined within an everyday setting like the laundry room.
Making of
The Inverted Windows: A Symbolic Transformation
Duvier del Dago’s installations are known for their thoughtful engagement with space, often transforming existing environments into thought-provoking works of art. The installation at the La Lavanderia is a prime example of this approach, featuring a unique element: the inversion of the structure of the top windows of the Instituto superior de arte (ISA). This artistic choice, while subtle, adds a layer of complexity and symbolic meaning to the work, inviting viewers to reconsider their perception of the familiar.
Del Dago’s artistic process is deeply rooted in a meticulous and layered approach that blends concept, material, and space. He carefully considers the unique characteristics of the location, seeking to create work that responds to its specific context. In this case, the top windows, which typically allow light to flood into the space, become the inspiration for a striking visual intervention. By replicating the form of the windows of ISA but inverting their orientation and locating them in La Lavanderia, he creates a dialogue between his artwork and the existing architectures, prompting a shift in perspective and a disruption of the ordinary.
The sources highlight del Dago’s commitment to exploring Cuban identity and history through his work. His installations often incorporate symbolic objects and materials that reference significant moments in Cuban history. While the specific symbolism behind the inverted windows is open to interpretation, it could be seen as a metaphorical reflection of the complexities of the Cuban experience, representing a disruption of established norms or a challenge to traditional viewpoints.
The inversion of the windows also plays with the interplay of light and shadow within the space. By altering the direction of light entry, del Dago creates a unique atmosphere, perhaps highlighting specific elements of the installation or emphasizing the symbolic transformation he has created.
The sources emphasize del Dago’s hands-on approach and attention to detail in constructing his installations. The inverted windows, likely requiring careful planning and precise execution, demonstrate his mastery of both conceptual and technical aspects of installation art. This meticulousness is evident in all aspects of his work, from the precise calculations he makes for his thread sculptures to the careful arrangement of symbolic objects within his installations.
The installation at the ISA, with its inverted windows, serves as a testament to Duvier del Dago’s ability to transform spaces through art. He doesn’t merely occupy a location; he interacts with it, recontextualizing its elements and prompting viewers to engage with the complexities of Cuban history, identity, and the transformative power of art.
