The HangART-7 exhibition “Una Excursión Mexicana” in Salzburg’s Hangar-7, running until August 28, is a show of works by seven young, very individual Mexican artists. Answering questionnaires, they each describe their approach to art – and share some inside information along the way. Part One: Gabriel de la Mora.
By creating artworks from human hair and fingerprints collected from strangers on the street, Gabriel de la Mora explores questions about originality and identity, normality and abnormality using these and other materials. The artist, who lives and works in Mexico City, lent a philosophical and somewhat wacky streak to his answers on “typically Mexican” and his perspectives on his own state of mind.
How much connects you to the six other artists in this exhibition? And how much separates you?
I like that in Salzburg seven artists are somehow representing Mexico through this exhibition – also that it’s seven individual shows within a group show. It’s been great to meet the other artists in person. Previously I only knew their work.
What makes your art “typically Mexican?” Why couldn’t it have been created in any other country?
I’d say I’m the result of my environment and my country, but I don’t believe in something being ‘typically Mexican.’ Even if I use universal elements such as hair.
Please give us three words that describe your work process.
Passion. Obsessive. Clean.
... and three that describe your artworks.
100 % drawing. 100 % sculpture. Time.
What do you feel when people – like in Hangar-7 – observe one of your pieces in a contemplative, reflective way?
I feel great. And it’s even better when they discover the drawings are totally done with human and synthetic hair. I love it when you can piece together a dialogue with audience and space.
Could you share with us a very personal anecdote about one of the pieces exhibited in Hangar-7 – or give us some sort of insider information about it that only you have been privy to until now?
From August to October 2006 I did my residency in Saint Etienne, a small French town, where people don’t know me, don’t understand me. I created 12 pieces for which I needed their names, fingerprints, photos, signatures and hair – I ask people on the street for these things, you know. This isn’t really possible in Mexico City because it’s so dangerous. But in downtown St. Etienne, everybody I asked smiled and said: “Oui.” One woman asked me: ‘Are you a policeman or a psycho?’ I answered surprised, ‘Not a policeman, but a psycho, maybe.’ I never really thought about this, but now your question’s got me thinking … If I think of everything I keep and collect, it is weird and scary!
Gabriel de la Mora
Sculpture from Gabriel de la Mora
Gabriel de la Mora