Artist: Rubén Grilo
Exhibition title: Indigo Eye
Curated by: Sonia Fernández Pan
Venue: CentroCentro, Madrid, Spain
Date: January 31 – March 1, 2019
Photography: all images copyright and courtesy of the artists, Sonia Fernández Pan and CentroCentro, Madrid
Enjoyment is one of the fundamental aspects of today’s work narrative. Its implications, conversely, don’t involve increased pleasure in the work sphere but rather increased dedication and time devoted to work. Added to this situation is the matter of “compensation” and its complicity in the material sphere. From this perspective, chocolate is a substance that encapsulates many of the aspects that define the contemporary working condition and ‘the social’, understood as a system. As a material substance, chocolate seems designed to permanently satisfy an unsatisfied desire. It’s also a devious substance: the result of various mixtures which, nevertheless, continually evoke the ghost of a supposed purity tied to the fiction of artisanry. As an object, the range of forms it takes are the result of techniques used to control matter, wherein a mould functions as a promise of infinite reproducibility by means of a pattern, and as an example of the lesser degree of materiality or invisibility of some elements in comparison to others. When refashioned into a coin, chocolate evokes not only a certain contemporary cult status but also its own past as a material associated with economic trade, as well as its historical ties to the social elite. Indigo Eye is an exhibition that works as a system of filters in which a recurring fantasy also emerges: the unique and one-of-a-kind nature of the mould that shapes identity.
This exhibition is part of Mirror Becomes a Razor When It’s Broken, an annual curatorial project by Sonia Fernández Pan that arises as a sedimentation process in which its different component artistic practices act as speculative strata amidst the constituent materiality of the world. Objects, materials and bodies are presented as systems of interactions that transcend the univocal conception we often have of them. Through four exhibition projects and several activities, this cycle seeks to materialise in a literal manner the possibilities, reflections, itineraries and diversions that will arise throughout the cycle on and in the different imaginaries, meanings and relationships that that which is not human is capable of containing and deploying.
Rubén Grilo (Lugo, 1981) studied at Universidad de Barcelona and Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten, Amsterdam. He has exhibited at Fundació Joan Miró (Barcelona), Future Gallery (Berlin), La Casa Encendida (Madrid), Künstlerhaus – Haller für Kunst & Medien (Graz), Nogueras Blanchard (Madrid), Hilesheim Kunstverein, V4ULT (Berlin), Union Pacific (London), Martin van Zomeren (Amsterdam), CIRCA Projects (Newcastle upon Tyne), 1646 (The Hague), Supplement (London), Wilfried Lentz (Rotterdam), CGAC (Santiago de Compostela), CSS Bard (New York), and MARCO (Vigo) among others. His work includes numerous collaborations, such as with Spiros Hadjidjanos for the CA2M (Móstoles), with Drop City for the MHKA – Museum of Contemporary Art (Antwerp) and with Metaphysics for the ZKM – Center for Art and Media (Karlsruhe) or the Computer History Museum (Mountain View). Grilo has also created a commercial line of non-drying oil-paint called Everfresh, officially launched at the Akademie der Künste during the 9ª Berlin Biennial.
Rubén Grilo, Overseers, 2019, Motion detectors, timers, electromagnets and clappers, screws, cables, building walls
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye, 2019, exhibition view, CentroCentro, Madrid
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye, 2019, exhibition view, CentroCentro, Madrid
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye, 2019, exhibition view, CentroCentro, Madrid
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye, 2019, exhibition view, CentroCentro, Madrid
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye, 2019, exhibition view, CentroCentro, Madrid
Rubén Grilo, These Ones Plural, 2019, Time-stretched field recording played on active foldback speakers
Rubén Grilo, These Ones Plural, 2019, Time-stretched field recording played on active foldback speakers
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye, 2019, exhibition view, CentroCentro, Madrid
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye, 2019, exhibition view, CentroCentro, Madrid
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye, 2019, exhibition view, CentroCentro, Madrid
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye, 2019, exhibition view, CentroCentro, Madrid
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye, 2019, exhibition view, CentroCentro, Madrid
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye #5, Laser-washed and cut indigo denim fabric, stitchings, snap buttons; Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye #2, Laser-washed and cut indigo denim fabric, stitchings, snap buttons
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye #5, Laser-washed and cut indigo denim fabric, stitchings, snap buttons
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye #5 (detail), Laser-washed and cut indigo denim fabric, stitchings, snap buttons
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye #5 (detail), Laser-washed and cut indigo denim fabric, stitchings, snap buttons
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye #2, Laser-washed and cut indigo denim fabric, stitchings, snap buttons
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye #2, Laser-washed and cut indigo denim fabric, stitchings, snap buttons
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye #2 (detail), Laser-washed and cut indigo denim fabric, stitchings, snap buttons
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye, 2019, exhibition view, CentroCentro, Madrid
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye #3, Laser-washed and cut indigo denim fabric, stitchings, snap buttons
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye, 2019, exhibition view, CentroCentro, Madrid
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye, 2019, exhibition view, CentroCentro, Madrid
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye #1, Laser-washed and cut indigo denim fabric, die-cut vinyl, pocket, plastic parts, stitchings, snap buttons
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye #1 (detail), Laser-washed and cut indigo denim fabric, die-cut vinyl, pocket, plastic parts, stitchings, snap buttons
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye, 2019, exhibition view, CentroCentro, Madrid
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye, 2019, exhibition view, CentroCentro, Madrid
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye #4, Laser-washed and cut indigo denim fabric, stitchings, snap buttons
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye #4, Laser-washed and cut indigo denim fabric, stitchings, snap buttons
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye, 2019, exhibition view, CentroCentro, Madrid
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye, 2019, exhibition view, CentroCentro, Madrid
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye, 2019, exhibition view, CentroCentro, Madrid
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye, 2019, exhibition view, CentroCentro, Madrid
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye, 2019, exhibition view, CentroCentro, Madrid
Rubén Grilo, Mongrels #1, 2019, Air-brushed and hand-painted polyurethane cast plastic elements mounted on a brushed stainless steel tray, Featuring 40 m Pence by Kingsway; 18mm 10, 20 and 50 euro cent by Steenland, 45mm 2€ coins by Crest distributions; 28, 60 and 100mm Simón Coll 1€ coins and chocolate medals A,O
Rubén Grilo, Mongrels #2, 2019, Air-brushed and hand-painted polyurethane cast plastic elements mounted on a brushed stainless steel tray, Featuring 40 mm Pence by Kingsway; 18mm 10, 20 and 50 euro cent by Steenland, 45mm 2€ coins by Crest distributions; 28, 60 and 100mm Simón Coll 1€ coins and chocolate medals A,O,
Rubén Grilo, Mongrels #3, 2019, Air-brushed and hand-painted polyurethane cast plastic elements mounted on a brushed stainless steel tray, Featuring 40mm Pence by Kingsway; 18mm 10, 20 and 50 euro cent by Steenland, 45mm 2€ coins by Crest distributions; 28, 60 and 100mm Simón Coll 1€ coins and chocolate medals A,O,
Rubén Grilo, Mongrels #3, 2019, Air-brushed and hand-painted polyurethane cast plastic elements mounted on a brushed stainless steel tray, Featuring 40mm Pence by Kingsway; 18mm 10, 20 and 50 euro cent by Steenland, 45mm 2€ coins by Crest distributions; 28, 60 and 100mm Simón Coll 1€ coins and chocolate medals A,O,
Rubén Grilo, Mongrels #1, 2019 (detail), Air-brushed and hand-painted polyurethane cast plastic elements mounted on a brushed stainless steel tray, Featuring 40mm Pence by Kingsway; 18mm 10, 20 and 50 euro cent by Steenland, 45mm 2€ coins by Crest distributions; 28, 60 and 100mm Simón Coll 1€ coins and chocolate medals A,O,
Rubén Grilo, Mongrels #1, 2019 (detail), Air-brushed and hand-painted polyurethane cast plastic elements mounted on a brushed stainless steel tray, Featuring 40mm Pence by Kingsway; 18mm 10, 20 and 50 euro cent by Steenland, 45mm 2€ coins by Crest distributions; 28, 60 and 100mm Simón Coll 1€ coins and chocolate medals A,O,
Rubén Grilo, Mongrels #1, 2019 (detail), Air-brushed and hand-painted polyurethane cast plastic elements mounted on a brushed stainless steel tray, Featuring 40mm Pence by Kingsway; 18mm 10, 20 and 50 euro cent by Steenland, 45mm 2€ coins by Crest distributions; 28, 60 and 100mm Simón Coll 1€ coins and chocolate medals A,O,
Rubén Grilo, Mongrels #1, 2019 (detail), Air-brushed and hand-painted polyurethane cast plastic elements mounted on a brushed stainless steel tray, Featuring 40mm Pence by Kingsway; 18mm 10, 20 and 50 euro cent by Steenland, 45mm 2€ coins by Crest distributions; 28, 60 and 100mm Simón Coll 1€ coins and chocolate medals A,O,
Rubén Grilo, Mongrels #2, 2019, Air-brushed and hand-painted polyurethane cast plastic elements mounted on a brushed stainless steel tray, Featuring 40mm Pence by Kingsway; 18mm 10, 20 and 50 euro cent by Steenland, 45mm 2€ coins by Crest distributions; 28, 60 and 100mm Simón Coll 1€ coins and chocolate medals A,O,
Rubén Grilo, Mongrels #2, 2019, Air-brushed and hand-painted polyurethane cast plastic elements mounted on a brushed stainless steel tray, Featuring 40mm Pence by Kingsway; 18mm 10, 20 and 50 euro cent by Steenland, 45mm 2€ coins by Crest distributions; 28, 60 and 100mm Simón Coll 1€ coins and chocolate medals A,O,
Rubén Grilo, Mongrels #2, 2019, Air-brushed and hand-painted polyurethane cast plastic elements mounted on a brushed stainless steel tray, Featuring 40mm Pence by Kingsway; 18mm 10, 20 and 50 euro cent by Steenland, 45mm 2€ coins by Crest distributions; 28, 60 and 100mm Simón Coll 1€ coins and chocolate medals A,O,
Rubén Grilo, Mongrels #2, 2019, Air-brushed and hand-painted polyurethane cast plastic elements mounted on a brushed stainless steel tray, Featuring 40mm Pence by Kingsway; 18mm 10, 20 and 50 euro cent by Steenland, 45mm 2€ coins by Crest distributions; 28, 60 and 100mm Simón Coll 1€ coins and chocolate medals A,O,
Rubén Grilo, Mongrels #3, 2019, Air-brushed and hand-painted polyurethane cast plastic elements mounted on a brushed stainless steel tray, Featuring 40mm Pence by Kingsway; 18mm 10, 20 and 50 euro cent by Steenland, 45mm 2€ coins by Crest distributions; 28, 60 and 100mm Simón Coll 1€ coins and chocolate medals A,O,
Rubén Grilo, Mongrels #3, 2019, Air-brushed and hand-painted polyurethane cast plastic elements mounted on a brushed stainless steel tray, Featuring 40mm Pence by Kingsway; 18mm 10, 20 and 50 euro cent by Steenland, 45mm 2€ coins by Crest distributions; 28, 60 and 100mm Simón Coll 1€ coins and chocolate medals A,O,
Rubén Grilo, Mongrels #3, 2019, Air-brushed and hand-painted polyurethane cast plastic elements mounted on a brushed stainless steel tray, Featuring 40mm Pence by Kingsway; 18mm 10, 20 and 50 euro cent by Steenland, 45mm 2€ coins by Crest distributions; 28, 60 and 100mm Simón Coll 1€ coins and chocolate medals A,O,
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye, 2019, exhibition view, CentroCentro, Madrid
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye, 2019, exhibition view, CentroCentro, Madrid
Rubén Grilo, This One Yearned (Chocolate Fountain #3), 2019, Custom laser-cut and CNC-bent and welded stainless steel vessels, stainless steel structure, painted steel flat bar and plastic parts, industrial gear pump, motor, pockets, heating belt, plinth, electrics, liquid chocolate blend
Rubén Grilo, This One Yearned (Chocolate Fountain #3), 2019, Custom laser-cut and CNC-bent and welded stainless steel vessels, stainless steel structure, painted steel flat bar and plastic parts, industrial gear pump, motor, pockets, heating belt, plinth, electrics, liquid chocolate blend
Rubén Grilo, This One Yearned (Chocolate Fountain #3), 2019, Custom laser-cut and CNC-bent and welded stainless steel vessels, stainless steel structure, painted steel flat bar and plastic parts, industrial gear pump, motor, pockets, heating belt, plinth, electrics, liquid chocolate blend
Rubén Grilo, This One Yearned (Chocolate Fountain #3), 2019, Custom laser-cut and CNC-bent and welded stainless steel vessels, stainless steel structure, painted steel flat bar and plastic parts, industrial gear pump, motor, pockets, heating belt, plinth, electrics, liquid chocolate blend
Rubén Grilo, This One Yearned (Chocolate Fountain #3), 2019, Custom laser-cut and CNC-bent and welded stainless steel vessels, stainless steel structure, painted steel flat bar and plastic parts, industrial gear pump, motor, pockets, heating belt, plinth, electrics, liquid chocolate blend
Rubén Grilo, This One Yearned (Chocolate Fountain #3), 2019, Custom laser-cut and CNC-bent and welded stainless steel vessels, stainless steel structure, painted steel flat bar and plastic parts, industrial gear pump, motor, pockets, heating belt, plinth, electrics, liquid chocolate blend
Rubén Grilo, This One Yearned (Chocolate Fountain #3), 2019, Custom laser-cut and CNC-bent and welded stainless steel vessels, stainless steel structure, painted steel flat bar and plastic parts, industrial gear pump, motor, pockets, heating belt, plinth, electrics, liquid chocolate blend
Rubén Grilo, This One Yearned (Chocolate Fountain #3), 2019, Custom laser-cut and CNC-bent and welded stainless steel vessels, stainless steel structure, painted steel flat bar and plastic parts, industrial gear pump, motor, pockets, heating belt, plinth, electrics, liquid chocolate blend
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye, 2019, exhibition view, CentroCentro, Madrid
Rubén Grilo, This True Want (Chocolate Fountain #2), 2019, Custom laser-cut and CNC-bent and welded stainless steel vessels, stainless steel structure, painted steel flat bar and plastic parts, industrial gear pump, motor, heating belt, plinth, electrics, liquid chocolate blend
Rubén Grilo, This True Want (Chocolate Fountain #2), 2019, Custom laser-cut and CNC-bent and welded stainless steel vessels, stainless steel structure, painted steel flat bar and plastic parts, industrial gear pump, motor, heating belt, plinth, electrics, liquid chocolate blend
Rubén Grilo, This True Want (Chocolate Fountain #2), 2019 (detail), Custom laser-cut and CNC-bent and welded stainless steel vessels, stainless steel structure, painted steel flat bar and plastic parts, industrial gear pump, motor, heating belt, plinth, electrics, liquid chocolate blend
Rubén Grilo, This True Want (Chocolate Fountain #2), 2019 (detail), Custom laser-cut and CNC-bent and welded stainless steel vessels, stainless steel structure, painted steel flat bar and plastic parts, industrial gear pump, motor, heating belt, plinth, electrics, liquid chocolate blend
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye, 2019, exhibition view, CentroCentro, Madrid
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye, 2019, exhibition view, CentroCentro, Madrid
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye, 2019, exhibition view, CentroCentro, Madrid
Rubén Grilo, Indigo Eye, 2019, exhibition view, CentroCentro, Madrid
Rubén Grilo, This Chocolate Fountain – A Sight of Prey (Chocolate Fountain #1), 2019, Custom laser-cut and CNC-bent and welded stainless steel vessels, stainless steel structure, painted steel flat, plastic parts, industrial gear pump, motor, heating belt, plinth, VFD, liquid chocolate blend
Rubén Grilo, This Chocolate Fountain – A Sight of Prey (Chocolate Fountain #1), 2019, Custom laser-cut and CNC-bent and welded stainless steel vessels, stainless steel structure, painted steel flat, plastic parts, industrial gear pump, motor, heating belt, plinth, VFD, liquid chocolate blend
Rubén Grilo, This Chocolate Fountain – A Sight of Prey (Chocolate Fountain #1), 2019, Custom laser-cut and CNC-bent and welded stainless steel vessels, stainless steel structure, painted steel flat, plastic parts, industrial gear pump, motor, heating belt, plinth, VFD, liquid chocolate blend
Rubén Grilo, This Chocolate Fountain – A Sight of Prey (Chocolate Fountain #1), 2019, Custom laser-cut and CNC-bent and welded stainless steel vessels, stainless steel structure, painted steel flat, plastic parts, industrial gear pump, motor, heating belt, plinth, VFD, liquid chocolate blend
Rubén Grilo, This Chocolate Fountain – A Sight of Prey (Chocolate Fountain #1), 2019, Custom laser-cut and CNC-bent and welded stainless steel vessels, stainless steel structure, painted steel flat, plastic parts, industrial gear pump, motor, heating belt, plinth, VFD, liquid chocolate blend
Rubén Grilo, This Chocolate Fountain – A Sight of Prey (Chocolate Fountain #1), 2019, Custom laser-cut and CNC-bent and welded stainless steel vessels, stainless steel structure, painted steel flat, plastic parts, industrial gear pump, motor, heating belt, plinth, VFD, liquid chocolate blend
Rubén Grilo, This Chocolate Fountain – A Sight of Prey (Chocolate Fountain #1), 2019, Custom laser-cut and CNC-bent and welded stainless steel vessels, stainless steel structure, painted steel flat, plastic parts, industrial gear pump, motor, heating belt, plinth, VFD, liquid chocolate blend
Rubén Grilo, These Ones Plural, 2019, Time-stretched field recording played on active foldback speakers
Rubén Grilo, Overseers, 2019, Motion detectors, timers, electromagnets and clappers, screws, cables, building walls
Rubén Grilo, Overseers, 2019, Motion detectors, timers, electromagnets and clappers, screws, cables, building walls
Rubén Grilo, Overseers, 2019, Motion detectors, timers, electromagnets and clappers, screws, cables, building walls