Penny Siopis. Ink, Blood, History

Penny Siopis (Veryburg, 1953) presents her work in Barcelona for the first time. From South Africa, the artist of Greek origin explores the intersection between personal and collective memory. Her practice addresses the fight against apartheid, colonial repressive policies. It is a look at history from an intimate experience. Her process is polyphonic, interdisciplinary. It moves between painting, drawing, cinematic elements. It links the intimate with the historical, the symbolic with the political. The central proposal is "Shame," a vast body of work that approaches shame as a narrative, emotional axis. Contracted, diluted bodies trace a human history marked by humiliation, violence. Also by the possibility of recognition, catharsis. "Charmed Lives" (1998-1999) is included, a large canvas of found objects. A collective memory built from individual experiences. The archive holds a central place: cabinets with sealed drawers that evoke hidden stories, invisible discourses. This editorial selection, curated by Imma Prieto, director of the Museu Tàpies, weaves the relationships between memories of the North and the South.