Photography:Aurélien Mole, all images copyright and courtesy of the artist and CRAC Alsace
During a preparatory meeting, Julia Spínola talked us through the issues at play in this exhibition by presenting a series of workshops she has organized over the last few years, which have led her to produce series of forms and gestures with different groups of people. The imagined situations are simple. To copy something in order to understand its mechanism. To do without knowing how. To invent techniques using the most rudimentary materials available: cardboard, glue, string, tape, packaging, leaflets, saliva, hands. To organize the conditions for horizontal learning. To stimulate creativity.
To understand Julia Spínola’s work is to practice it rather than discuss it, to apprehend it in the primary sense of the word, that is, to grasp it with the body. The exhibition Same Word is an invitation to this experience of apprehending, an invitation to “rub shoulders” with the works in order to discover their language. The two words Same Word could, in fact, suffice in themselves to introduce this exhibition, an exhibition in which the same form can be repeated to take on multiple contents and functions, and to exist equivocally in this multitude of uses or in the uncertainty of the perception of its outer layer. Is it a bag? Is it a fruit? Is it a smile? Is it a color? Is it solid? Is it rigid? Is it soft? Is it liquid?
Two or more words with identical pronunciation but different meanings are called homonyms. By extension, we could also call two or more artworks identical in form but different in uses homonyms. The exhibition Same Word then becomes a space for the metamorphosis of the same into the other: a paradise of homonymy.
—E.T., May 2024.
Julia Spínola conceives sculptural practice as a way of understanding and re-examining the relationship between people and the objects that surround them.
Julia Spínola presented solo exhibitions at Artium Museoa, Museum of Contemporary Art of the Basque Country (2023), Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, (Madrid, 2023-2024), Miró Foundation (Barcelona, 2020), ARTIATX (Bilbao, 2020), CA2M Centro de Arte Dos de Mayo (Madrid, 2018) and Halfhouse (Barcelona, 2016). She participated at the DAAD Residency (Berlin, 2018-2019) and has been awarded with El Ojo Crítico de Artes Plásticas de la Radio Nacional de España price (2013).
Her work is in the collections of Reina Sofía National Museum (Madrid), Marcelino Botín Foundation (Cantabria), the Community’s Contemporary Art Collection of Madrid at CA2M, La Panera Museum (Lérida) and La Casa Encendida, Montemadrid Foundation’s socio-cultural center (Madrid).
Julia Spínola is represented by Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery.
CRAC Alsace entrance. Flags designed by Charles Mazé & Coline SunierCRAC Alsace entrance. Wall designed by Charles Mazé & Coline Sunier
Julia Spínola, Rojamente #3 [Redness #3], 2023. Silkscreen prints. 9 x 9 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrardt Flórez Gallery, MadridJulia Spínola, Rojamente #3 [Redness #3], 2023. Silkscreen prints. 9 x 9 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrardt Flórez Gallery, MadridJulia Spínola, Rojamente #3 [Redness #3], 2023. Silkscreen prints. 9 x 9 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrardt Flórez Gallery, MadridJulia Spínola, La velocidad 1 [The Velocity 1] — Room 1, 2024. Vegetal fiber, leaflet cut-outs, glue, plasterboard, metal, PVC pipe. Variable dimensions. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery. Commissioned by CRAC Alsace. ⦚ Rojamente #3 [Redness #3], 2023. Silkscreen prints. 9 x 9 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrardt Flórez Gallery, MadridJulia Spínola, La velocidad 1 [The Velocity 1] — Room 1, 2024. Vegetal fiber, leaflet cut-outs, glue, plasterboard, metal, PVC pipe. Variable dimensions. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery. Commissioned by CRAC Alsace. ⦚ Rojamente #3 [Redness #3], 2023. Silkscreen prints. 9 x 9 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrardt Flórez Gallery, MadridJulia Spínola, La velocidad 1 [The Velocity 1] — Room 1, 2024. Vegetal fiber, leaflet cut-outs, glue, plasterboard, metal, PVC pipe. Variable dimensions. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, La velocidad 1 [The Velocity 1] — Room 1, 2024. Vegetal fiber, leaflet cut-outs, glue, plasterboard, metal, PVC pipe. Variable dimensions. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery. Commissioned by CRAC Alsace. ⦚ Rojamente #3 [Redness #3], 2023. Silkscreen prints. 9 x 9 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrardt Flórez Gallery, MadridJulia Spínola, La velocidad 1 [The Velocity 1] — Room 1, 2024. Vegetal fiber, leaflet cut-outs, glue, plasterboard, metal, PVC pipe. Variable dimensions. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, La velocidad 1 [The Velocity 1] — Room 1, 2024. Vegetal fiber, leaflet cut-outs, glue, plasterboard, metal, PVC pipe. Variable dimensions. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, La velocidad 1 [The Velocity 1] — Room 1, 2024. Vegetal fiber, leaflet cut-outs, glue, plasterboard, metal, PVC pipe. Variable dimensions. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, La velocidad 1 [The Velocity 1] — Room 2, 2024. Vegetal fiber, leaflet cut-outs, glue, plasterboard, metal, PVC pipe. Variable dimensions. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, La velocidad 1 [The Velocity 1] — Room 2, 2024. Vegetal fiber, leaflet cut-outs, glue, plasterboard, metal, PVC pipe. Variable dimensions. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, La velocidad 1 [The Velocity 1] — Room 2, 2024. Vegetal fiber, leaflet cut-outs, glue, plasterboard, metal, PVC pipe. Variable dimensions. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, La velocidad 1 [The Velocity 1] — Room 2, 2024. Vegetal fiber, leaflet cut-outs, glue, plasterboard, metal, PVC pipe. Variable dimensions. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, La velocidad 2 [The Velocity 2], 2024. Bubble wrap, vegetal fiber, plaster paint, paper prints, glue plasterboard, metal, cardboard pipe. Variable dimensions. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, La velocidad 2 [The Velocity 2], 2024. Bubble wrap, vegetal fiber, plaster paint, paper prints, glue plasterboard, metal, cardboard pipe. Variable dimensions. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, La velocidad 2 [The Velocity 2], 2024. Bubble wrap, vegetal fiber, plaster paint, paper prints, glue plasterboard, metal, cardboard pipe. Variable dimensions. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, La velocidad 2 [The Velocity 2], 2024. Bubble wrap, vegetal fiber, plaster paint, paper prints, glue plasterboard, metal, cardboard pipe. Variable dimensions. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, La velocidad 2 [The Velocity 2], 2024. Bubble wrap, vegetal fiber, plaster paint, paper prints, glue plasterboard, metal, cardboard pipe. Variable dimensions. ⦚ M.m, 2024. Wood, ball, bowl, acrylic resin, newspaper, paint, tape. 107 x 21 x 14 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC Alsace
Julia Spínola, M.m, 2024. Wood, ball, bowl, acrylic resin, newspaper, paint, tape. 107 x 21 x 14 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, M.m, 2024. Wood, ball, bowl, acrylic resin, newspaper, paint, tape. 107 x 21 x 14 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, M.m, 2024. Wood, ball, bowl, acrylic resin, newspaper, paint, tape. 107 x 21 x 14 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC Alsace
Julia Spínola, La velocidad 2 [The Velocity 2], 2024. Bubble wrap, vegetal fiber, plaster paint, paper prints, glue plasterboard, metal, cardboard pipe. Variable dimensions. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, Cambio de uso [Change Of Use], 2023. Cardboard, acrylic resin, acrylic enamel and steel. 77 x 179 x 38 cm and 31 x 71 x 16 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, MadridJulia Spínola, Cambio de uso [Change Of Use], 2023. Cardboard, acrylic resin, acrylic enamel and steel. 77 x 179 x 38 cm and 31 x 71 x 16 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, MadridJulia Spínola, Cambio de uso [Change Of Use], 2023. Cardboard, acrylic resin, acrylic enamel and steel. 77 x 179 x 38 cm and 31 x 71 x 16 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, MadridJulia Spínola, Cambio de uso [Change Of Use], 2023. Cardboard, acrylic resin, acrylic enamel and steel. 77 x 179 x 38 cm and 31 x 71 x 16 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, MadridJulia Spínola, Cambio de uso [Change Of Use], 2023. Cardboard, acrylic resin, acrylic enamel and steel. 77 x 179 x 38 cm and 31 x 71 x 16 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, MadridJulia Spínola, Cambio de uso [Change Of Use], 2023. Cardboard, acrylic resin, acrylic enamel and steel. 77 x 179 x 38 cm and 31 x 71 x 16 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, MadridJulia Spínola, Cambio de uso [Change Of Use], 2023. Cardboard, acrylic resin, acrylic enamel and steel. 77 x 179 x 38 cm and 31 x 71 x 16 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, MadridJulia Spínola, Rojamente #6 [Redness #6], 2024. 3 silkscreen prints. 6 x 17 cm, 16 x 18 cm and 8 x 13 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, Rojamente #6 [Redness #6], 2024. 3 silkscreen prints. 6 x 17 cm, 16 x 18 cm and 8 x 13 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, Rojamente #6 [Redness #6], 2024. 3 silkscreen prints. 6 x 17 cm, 16 x 18 cm and 8 x 13 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, Rojamente #6 [Redness #6], 2024. 3 silkscreen prints. 6 x 17 cm, 16 x 18 cm and 8 x 13 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC Alsace
Julia Spínola, Vis I & II, 2020. Vegetable fiber, putty, varnish, strips. 50 x 500 x 50 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, MadridJulia Spínola, Vis I, 2020. Vegetable fiber, putty, varnish, strips. 50 x 500 x 50 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, MadridJulia Spínola, Vis I, 2020. Vegetable fiber, putty, varnish, strips. 50 x 500 x 50 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, MadridJulia Spínola, Vis I, 2020. Vegetable fiber, putty, varnish, strips. 50 x 500 x 50 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, MadridJulia Spínola, Vis II, 2020. Vegetable fiber, putty, varnish, strips. 50 x 500 x 50 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, MadridJulia Spínola, Vis II, 2020. Vegetable fiber, putty, varnish, strips. 50 x 500 x 50 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, MadridJulia Spínola, Vis II, 2020. Vegetable fiber, putty, varnish, strips. 50 x 500 x 50 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, MadridJulia Spínola, Vis II, 2020. Vegetable fiber, putty, varnish, strips. 50 x 500 x 50 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, MadridJulia Spínola, Vis I & II, 2020. Vegetable fiber, putty, varnish, strips. 50 x 500 x 50 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, MadridJulia Spínola, Rojamente #7 [Redness #7], 2024. Silkscreen print. 23 x 17 cm. Commissioned by CRAC Alsace. ⦚ Totonaca, 2023. Balls, Tetra Brik, aluminium. 90 x 30 x 22 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, MadridJulia Spínola, Totonaca, 2023. Balls, Tetra Brik, aluminium. 90 x 30 x 22 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, MadridJulia Spínola, Totonaca, 2023. Balls, Tetra Brik, aluminium. 90 x 30 x 22 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid
Julia Spínola, Rojamente #7 [Redness #7], 2024. Silkscreen print. 23 x 17 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, Rojamente #7 [Redness #7], 2024. Silkscreen print. 23 x 17 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, Brazo, chorro, mismo II [Arm, Stream, Same II], 2019. Variable dimensions. Cardboard, metal. Variable dimensions. ⦚ S/T, 2024. Epoxy resin, fiberglass, tape. Variable dimensions. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery. Commissioned by CRAC Alsace. ❙ Bag, box, 2024. Plastic bag, epoxy resin. 106 x 37 x 22 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, Brazo, chorro, mismo II [Arm, Stream, Same II], 2019. Variable dimensions. Cardboard, metal. Variable dimensions. ⦚ S/T, 2024. Epoxy resin, fiberglass, tape. Variable dimensions. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery. Commissioned by CRAC Alsace. ❙ Bag, box, 2024. Plastic bag, epoxy resin. 106 x 37 x 22 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, Brazo, chorro, mismo II [Arm, Stream, Same II], 2019. Variable dimensions. Cardboard, metal. Variable dimensions. ⦚ S/T, 2024. Epoxy resin, fiberglass, tape. Variable dimensions. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery. Commissioned by CRAC Alsace. ❙ Bag, box, 2024. Plastic bag, epoxy resin. 106 x 37 x 22 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, Brazo, chorro, mismo II [Arm, Stream, Same II], 2019. Variable dimensions. Cardboard, metal. Variable dimensions. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery
Julia Spínola, S/T, 2024. Epoxy resin, fiberglass, tape. Variable dimensions. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery. Commissioned by CRAC Alsace. ⦚ Bag, box, 2024. Plastic bag, epoxy resin. 106 x 37 x 22 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, S/T, 2024. Epoxy resin, fiberglass, tape. Variable dimensions. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, Bag, box, 2024. Plastic bag, epoxy resin. 106 x 37 x 22 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, exhibition view of Same Word at CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, Zuhur #1 & #2, 2023. Ball, bowl, acetate, plastic, bag, fiberglass. 34 x 46 x 21 cm. Private collectionsJulia Spínola, Zuhur #1, 2023. Ball, bowl, acetate, plastic, bag, fiberglass. 34 x 46 x 21 cm. Private collectionJulia Spínola, Zuhur #1, 2023. Ball, bowl, acetate, plastic, bag, fiberglass. 34 x 46 x 21 cm. Private collectionJulia Spínola, Zuhur #2, 2023. Ball, bowl, acetate, plastic, bag, fiberglass. 34 x 46 x 21 cm. Private collectionJulia Spínola, Zuhur #2, 2023. Ball, bowl, acetate, plastic, bag, fiberglass. 34 x 46 x 21 cm. Private collectionJulia Spínola, exhibition view of Same Word at CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, Corner Piece, 2024. Steel wire mesh, acrylic resin, printed textile, silkscreen prints on textile. 130 x 35 x 78 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, Rojamente #1 [Redness #1], 2020. Silkscreen print. 8 x 13 cm. ⦚ Corner Piece, 2024. Steel wire mesh, acrylic resin, printed textile, silkscreen prints on textile. 130 x 35 x 78 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, Corner Piece, 2024. Steel wire mesh, acrylic resin, printed textile, silkscreen prints on textile. 130 x 35 x 78 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, Corner Piece, 2024. Steel wire mesh, acrylic resin, printed textile, silkscreen prints on textile. 130 x 35 x 78 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, Rojamente #1 [Redness #1], 2020. Silkscreen print. 8 x 13 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, exhibition view of Same Word at CRAC Alsace
Julia Spínola, Même mot [Same Word], 2024. Plastic bag, epoxy resin. 40 x 30 x 25 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, Même mot [Same Word], 2024. Plastic bag, epoxy resin. 40 x 30 x 25 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC Alsace
Julia Spínola, exhibition view of Same Word at CRAC Alsace
Julia Spínola, Cajas (#1 y #2) [Boxes #1 and #2], 2023. Cardboard boxes, resin. Variable dimensions. Private collections. ⦚ Palanca [Lever], 2024. Tetrabrick, textils, tape, transparent acrylic resin, enamel aluminium paint. 190 x 132 x 167 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, Cajas (#1 y #2) [Boxes #1 and #2], 2023. Cardboard boxes, resin. Variable dimensions. Private collectionsJulia Spínola, Cajas (#1 y #2) [Boxes #1 and #2], 2023. Cardboard boxes, resin. Variable dimensions. Private collectionsJulia Spínola, Cajas (#1 y #2) [Boxes #1 and #2], 2023. Cardboard boxes, resin. Variable dimensions. Private collections. ⦚ Palanca [Lever], 2024. Tetrabrick, textils, tape, transparent acrylic resin, enamel aluminium paint. 190 x 132 x 167 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, Palanca [Lever], 2024. Tetrabrick, textils, tape, transparent acrylic resin, enamel aluminium paint. 190 x 132 x 167 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, Palanca [Lever], 2024. Tetrabrick, textils, tape, transparent acrylic resin, enamel aluminium paint. 190 x 132 x 167 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid. Commissioned by CRAC AlsaceJulia Spínola, Rojamente #1 [Redness #1], 2020. Silkscreen print 3/4. 10 x 13,5 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, MadridJulia Spínola, Rojamente #1 [Redness #1], 2020. Silkscreen print 3/4. 10 x 13,5 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, MadridJulia Spínola, Rojamente #1 [Redness #1], 2020. Silkscreen print 3/4. 10 x 13,5 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, MadridJulia Spínola, Rojamente #1 [Redness #1], 2020. Silkscreen print. 12,5 x 9 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Ehrhardt Flórez Gallery, Madrid
CRAC Alsace entrance. Flags designed by Charles Mazé & Coline SunierCRAC Alsace entrance. Flags designed by Charles Mazé & Coline Sunier
