Exhibition “Line of Union”

by Camila Lobos Díaz

The exhibition “Line of Union” by Chilean artist Camila Lobos Díaz, winner of the Chilean National Council for Culture (FONDART) grant, presents an installation that invites reflection on the lines that simultaneously divide and unite people. The piece addresses contemporary issues relating to identity, migration, and the complexities of Europe's geographical and political borders. The exhibition is part of the “Novos Olhares” (New Perspectives) series, an initiative by the Vasco Vieira de Almeida Foundation that promotes contemporary culture in all its forms. The series encourages critical thinking, multiculturalism and interdisciplinarity by offering a fresh perspective.

“Line of Union” proposes reimagining the boundary as a meeting place. It refers to the concept of Europe championed by Jacques Delors, a staunch advocate of post-war European integration who transformed the dividing lines of borders into lines that connect and build Europe. In this context, the importance of preserving the identity and culture of each people is emphasised as a means of understanding today's Europe and envisioning the Europe we wish to build.

The exhibition thus invites critical reflection on territory, identity and migration issues, as well as the dimensions, boundaries and administrative and legal challenges that shape European reality. Are political barriers stronger than geographical ones? How should these territorial borders be interpreted? How do the 27 Member States interact after 31 years of political, legal, and democratic union within the European Union? What barriers does Europe face as a continent, and what form do they take?

In her work, Camila Lobos Díaz seeks to explore these questions by highlighting borders and transforming the lines drawn by geography and politics into sculptural elements suspended from the ceiling by nylon threads. Visitors are invited to explore this abstract "Europe", composed of 435 borders cast in bronze that simultaneously evoke separation and connection.

Coordination and production:
Maltilde Horta e Costa, Board Member of the Vasco Vieira de Almeida Foundation and Corporate Affairs Director at Vieira de Almeida

Curation and design of the exhibition space:
Verónica de Mello

The exhibition is included in ARCO's official programme for Collectors