Commonality, identity, language and cultural and social inclusion are central themes in Oscar Murillo’s practice. He often incorporates aspects of his personal history and his cross-cultural ties with his homeland of Colombia. By involving family members, local factory workers and school children in the creative process, he makes social statements that connect different worlds. In this respect, the steering of community formation is just as important as the uncovering of phenomena and feelings related to rootlessness or displacement. His paintings are also made using a process-based method: cut pieces of fabric are treated with oil paint and left in the studio for a certain period of time, during which they absorb dust, dirt and other environmental elements. These materials, which are the same throughout the world regardless of the social or cultural context, are consistent with the egalitarian and inclusive approach seen within his oeuvre. One of Murillo’s paintings is currently on display in the exhibition ‘Highlights for a Future: The Collection (I)’. In 2017, the artist participated in the first Kathmandu Triennial, organized by S.M.A.K. in collaboration with the Siddhartha Arts Foundation. In partnership with a local silk-screen printing studio, he created the work ‘The Coming of the Europeans’, which addresses the lasting legacies of colonialism.
Practical information
- Sunday 29 September 2019 - 3 pm.
- Reserviation via reservation@smak.be.
