PAIS PARA QUIEN is an exhibition by Fernando Arias that combines video, photography, sculpture and textiles. It was shown  in a decaying colonial house from the early 1900's in the centre of Bogotá, currently occupied by a theatre group called Mapa Teatro.

LOOKING FOR HUMAN ASHES Anyone can offer to donate their ashes regardless of nationality, political, religious or sexual orientation, colour, age, social class or gender. The donation should take the form of a signed contract, declaring that after death their body will be cremated and the ashes placed in the hands of the artist who will imprint this graphic on the main patio wall of Mapa Teatro. This request will be made public through the written media and internet before the exhibition.

 

 

HUMANOS DERECHOS, 2008 (5') Video installation in which three members of armed factions involved in Colombia's armed conflict and a land worker undress in front of the camera, removing their arms and signs that identify them, until completely naked, appearing equal as humans.

 

RAISING THE FLAG, 2007 (1') satirises political power and its links with the anachronistic machismo that prevails in Colombia. In profile a naked young man stands to attention, hands by his side, meanwhile his penis becomes erect, as a symbol of the phalocentric power in the country, rising in time to the National Anthem.

 

 

 

 

National Emblem Bronze
Ref: Bullet
50cms high
Edition of 3

RUG Ref: Eagles
2.30 mts x 1.50 mts
Hand-made Russian point wool on French lining

 

 

 

PAZaporte is a limited edition multiple produced for Daros Latinamerica to coincide with their exhibition Cantos Cuentos Colombians. It consists of an edition of false Colombian passports printed in white - the colour synonimous with peace - with the patriotic emblem altered, showing a sumptuous, phalic metal bullet instead. As a type of ready-made, Arias refers to Colombia's socio-political situation: commenting on the prejudices faced by Colombians when crossing borders due to their country's reputation for violence and drugs by transforming the patriotic symbol into a lethal weapon.

 

Parafernalia is showcase within the exhibition with various t-shirts with designs from the Extraordinary Handbook published for "Pais Para Quien".  Also offered will be a limited edition signed passports.