Artist Sculpts Earth for Sensory Journey

Colombian artist Delcy Morelos crafts monumental sculptures using earth, focusing on our profound connection to soil. Her latest creation, "Origo," is set to open at London's Barbican Centre, following the success of "The Womb Space" in Mexico City, which drew over 60,000 visitors. Morelos describes her work as a mission to foster experiences where individuals uncover forgotten answers about their relationship with the humble material that sustains all life.

Morelos' "Origo" is a 24-meter-wide oval pavilion designed to evoke cave-like passages, offering a central patio for meditative activities like tai chi. She explains her intention to cater to Londoners' needs, drawing from her own origins. This installation, like her previous works, is rooted in Andean cosmovision, viewing the earth as a sentient being and everything as interconnected.

The artist's journey began in Tierralta, Colombia, where early experiences with earthen floors shaped her perspective. After initial work addressing violence, her focus shifted to the earth itself, advocating for its care over possession. Her installations merge land art, arte povera, and architectural influences, challenging the view of soil as mere dirt.

"Origo" will be free to enter, allowing repeat visits and engagement with its evolution over time. Morelos embraces the impermanence of her art, drawing parallels to the cyclical nature of seasons, emphasizing that the work will live on in memory. She believes that magic and mystery are inherent to existence and hopes her art allows people to feel less estranged from the earth.