Detalle de "No a la violencia de género. Conversemos" 2017

Teddy Cobeña created this detail of "No a la violencia de género. Conversemos" from clay, and the traces of the artist’s hand are evident on the surface of the artwork. The rough texture of the clay gives the faces a tactile quality, inviting us to consider the human element of the sculpture, and the immediate encounter with the material. Notice how the artist has used the inherent qualities of the clay to convey a sense of vulnerability. The male and female are in dialogue, but made of different clay, or painted different colors. The faces are built up, layer by layer, each stroke contributing to the overall form and expression. The final appearance of the sculpture is inextricably linked to the labor involved in its creation. By emphasizing the process of making, Cobeña elevates the status of craft and invites us to reconsider traditional hierarchies within the art world. This piece underscores the importance of materials, making, and social context, to create a powerful statement about gender violence.