Alexandre Arrechea

Alexandre Arrechea's artistic repertoire spans across a variety of mediums, including large-scale installations, sculptures, watercolor drawings, and videos, all of which delve into profound themes such as history, memory, politics, and power dynamics within urban environments. His site-specific approach involves a deep exploration of the ideological and philosophical foundation of the surrounding context, aiming to foster a more immersive interaction with the audience.

Arrechea's examination of space goes beyond mere physical structures, delving into the cultural resonances inherent in architecture. He considers aspects ranging from design to social value, and how these elements influence various interpretations. Through meticulous dissection of architectural anatomies and spaces via drawings and installations, he unveils the potential conflicts embedded within these structures, arising from the myriad decisions "hidden" within them.

Internationally acclaimed as one of the founding members of the Cuban collective Los Carpinteros [The Carpenters], active from 1991 to 2003, Arrechea began his solo career in the same year. Some of his notable projects include "Nolimits" (2013), a monumental project featuring ten sculptures inspired by iconic New York City buildings along Park Avenue, and "Katrina Chairs" (2016), erected at the Coachella Music Festival in Palm Springs, California, USA.

In 2020, during Miami Art Week, Arrechea created "Dreaming with Lions," an immersive rotunda resembling a vast forum-cum-library installed at Faena Miami Beach. This commission symbolizes humanity's resilience in the face of formidable challenges, showcasing the ability to persist even amid adversity. In 2023, he collaborated with Carlos Acosta and a host of international creatives at the Birmingham Royal Ballet in the UK. There, he showcased his talent by crafting mesmerizing set and costume designs for "Black Sabbath: The Ballet."

His first solo museum exhibition, Intersected Horizons, curated by Gabriela Urtiaga, explored his practice as a social and political exploration melding art, history, and archaeological forms. Arrechea’s work can be found in the permanent collections of the Reina Sofia, Madrid; Museum of Modern Art, New York; Brooklyn Museum, New York; Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; Daros Collection, Zurich among numerous others.

ARTWORKS

Your Intervention is Needed, 2021
carved wood
51 x 51 x 7 inches
129.54 x 129.54 x 17.78 cm.

At Work, 2021
watercolor on paper, polyptych
90 x 66 inches
228.6 x 167.64 cm.

Bird’s Eye View, 2021
watercolor on paper
90 x 66 inches
228.6 x 167.64 cm.

Arrangement, 2021
watercolor on paper
90 x 66 inches
228.6 x 167.64 cm.

Cat, 2021
watercolor on paper
90 x 66 inches
228.6 x 167.64 cm.

Front Entrance, 2021
watercolor on paper
69 x 69 inches
175.26 x 175.26 cm.