11.05.20 — 08.31.21
Malba presents a new work for the museum's esplanade. It is the sculpture Leverage by artist Pedro Reyes (1972, Mexico City).
Through his exploration of science, mathematics, social sciences, and architecture, Pedro Reyes creates metaphors for social relationships, giving physical form to abstract ideas. In this case, the sculpture Leverage is a constructivist version of the classic seesaw game, which reveals an asymmetrical relationship in which the power of one person is equivalent to that of nine others sitting at the opposite end.
On a standard seesaw, the seats are equidistant from the center. In this installation, one end is extended to generate the force needed to create a counterweight.
At first glance, Leverage seems like a physical manifestation of the hierarchical and power relationships present in all human organizations: the oppressor versus the oppressed, authority and subjects, among others. However, this person alone requires the group at the other end to exert their influence and interact; if any of the nine members stands up or leaves their seat, this person is left helpless. Thus, even when hierarchical, human relationships require a process of negotiation.
Pedro Reyes
Born in Mexico City in 1972, where he lives and works, Pedro Reyes is undoubtedly one of the leading figures on the Mexican contemporary art scene. Reyes seeks to develop critical discourses with his audience by producing works of art and social spaces for participation. He has founded several temporary project spaces and creates works that involve the public in ephemeral projects.
Pedro Reyes' work touches on issues related to physical and social spaces, making the invisible geometry in our personal relationships tangible. He designs projects that propose playful solutions to social problems: from turning firearms into musical instruments, to hosting the United Nations to address urgent environmental issues, and offering eco-friendly grasshopper burgers from a food cart.
His pieces cover complex topics such as political and economic philosophies and are reformulated in ways that are easy to understand. In his work, viewers become participants, whether through individual conversations, therapeutic acts, or as creators of objects in collaborative workshops. In Leverage, viewers embark on a game that is both symbolic and real.
Important
Leverage is a participatory work that can be activated with the permanent guidance of the museum team and in compliance with the safety and hygiene measures established by the protocol for carousels and works in public spaces: use of face masks, hand sanitizer, social distancing, and constant cleaning.
