Cuero 1 [Leather 1] (2023)
Leather, thread, paint and spray acrylic paint
70 x 110 cm
BilbaoArte Collection
Registration No.: 2023.565.1
Cuero 1 uses leather as material on which motifs are embroidered that refer to the tracking of a body dancing in a square, using polyester twine (of the same colour as the leather). The work embraces the whole surface as a square in reference to La plaza del Diamante [literally ‘Diamond Square’, published in English as The Time of the Doves], a literary work which is the basis for the ‘Las palabras me dicen a mi, me señalen’ [‘Words talk to me, they tell me’] series, to which this work is belongs. The motifs do not only include possible return journeys, but also reference the path of a Chotis, the traditional dance of Madrid, as a nod to the identity of the artist who is from that city. The embroidered words ‘body’ and ‘name’ can also be made out. They guide the main focus of the piece which reflects the ability to hide and conceal something in the darkness, and which also means of the possibility of finding it. This search in the non-light in the metaphorical square that is Cuero 1 is possible thanks to a tick mark (a recurring symbol throughout the project) that is embroidered and subsequently sprayed in reflective paint as a guide in the darkness. This will be the lure and hook to enter a square brimming with directions, turns and leaps.
Alexia Cobo (Madrid, 1995) is an artist and researcher, who began studying Fashion Design at the Madrid School of Design (ESD), but switched halfway through her degree to study Fine Arts at the Complutense University of Madrid. At the same time, she began to work with the Juan Gallery as an artist-in-residence, when she exhibited at multiple shows, including Acción XM2 [Action XM2], La superinstalación [Superinstallation] and La Juan está de moda [The Juan is Trendy]. Her focus was there on developing production closely related to performance and live art. She also took part in events such as Spring-t Action, Nart Studio, San Miguel Contemporary Art Biennial and Espronceda BCN. After graduating, she moved to Bilbao to study for a Master’s Degree in Performance, Technological and Contemporary Art at the UPV/EHU, where she is currently working for her PhD.