THE WEIGHT OF THE OTHER AS ARTISTIC MATERIAL: IVÁN ARGOTE AT MAMM

The Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín presents Sentir tu peso (Feel Your Weight), a special project by Colombian artist Iván Argote (Bogotá, 1983), curated by Marielsa Castro. The opening takes place this Friday, June 26, and will include an open conversation with the artist.

The installation takes traditional rocking chairs from various regions of Colombia and Brazil as its starting point. Argote interweaves them in pairs or trios to build structures whose balance depends on shared action: the rocking only works when those sitting in them acknowledge and share each other's weight. What seems like an everyday gesture becomes an experience of interdependence and connection. The work is not designed to be observed but to be collectively activated.

The show marks Argote's first presentation in Medellín, and comes just weeks after DIGNIDAD, a 15-meter sculpture whose activation took place in Chicago on June 13 and 14. Based in Paris, the artist has exhibited in Berlin, New York, Prague, and São Paulo, among other cities. His practice — spanning sculpture, public installation, film, painting, and performance — explores the dynamics of public space, collective memory, and power relations, with a characteristic combination of critique, humor, and tenderness.

On the same Friday, Argote will lead Universo de la palabra, a creative experience for children between 6 and 10 years old. That evening, MAMM will hold its traditional Noche Extendida with free admission and an outdoor film screening at the Plazoleta MAMM.

Sentir tu peso is on view at the Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín, Medellín, Colombia.