Berlin: visual artist deciphering the geometry of art
Amalia Valdés uses natural materials such as cork, ceramics, metals, fabrics and pigments. Her work is characterized by precision and intuition and intertwines ancestral and spiritual symbols from different cultures with images of the unconscious. She was trained in Chile and Mexico, but much of her work is dedicated to exploring the imaginary world of Andean indigenous peoples. In her work she interprets the "Wiphala", the symbol of unity and totality in the philosophy of the First Peoples of Latin America.
Proyecto Sin Nombre: Amalia Valdés
In the final interview of the #proyectosinnombre series, artist Amalia Valdés, based in Berlin, discusses her experiences living in Europe, the challenges of learning German, and the concept of "ElternZeit" in German public policy. She reflects on the role of chance in her work, emphasizing the importance of intuition and leaving room for the unexpected. Valdés describes her creative process as an ongoing series, where initial structures lead to unforeseen developments, influenced by her daily feelings and the spontaneity of the moment. She also mentions the impact of motherhood on her creativity, particularly after the birth of her daughter Nina. Valdés explores the rich symbolism in her work, each symbol acting as a Pandora's box revealing new connections and paths. The conversation covers her methodology, the evolution of her work since university, and her approach to different materials and symbols. She discusses the influence of her Latin American roots in her work and how living in Germany has empowered her to showcase these cultural elements. Valdés emphasizes the importance of connecting with the universal harmony through her art and exploring the common messages in diverse cultures and symbols.
AMALIA VALDÉS: MIENTRAS DORMÍAN
"Mientras Dormían," an exhibition by Chilean artist Amalia Valdés in Germany, showcases her three-year exploration of cork, metal, and clay, blending pure forms and sacred symbols in her art. Presented at Galerie Seippel, Cologne, the exhibition features abstract paintings, drawings, and stainless steel reliefs, termed "Soul Collectors," which interact with light and viewers. Valdés's work, a mix of concrete art and sacred geometry, reflects a deep engagement with ancestral imagery, dreams, and the unconscious. The exhibition pays homage to infinity, constellations, Latin American indigenous cultures, and the concept of time, while also being a tribute to motherhood, dedicated to her daughters Nina and Anni.
Más allá de la obra: Amalia Valdés
Amalia Valdés' artistic work reflects harmony and a connection with higher worlds, marked by the integration of various knowledges and mysterious sciences. Influenced by the indigenous cultures of her native continent, she uses ancient symbols with spiritual connotations. Valdés combines formal and romantic ideas of geometry, often using simple shapes like triangles, guided by grids and intuition. Her creative process is akin to a ritual, leading her into a contemplative, meditative, intuitive, and personal state. She views art as a means to transport herself to unknown realms, employing repetition as a mantra, rhythm, play, or utopian state. Her influences are diverse, ranging from authors, artists, artisans, designers, and ecologists, drawing inspiration from the timeless and advanced aspects of historical and ancestral cultures. Key influences include spiritual artists like Hilma Auf Klint, Emma Kunz, Anni Albers, Rudolf Steiner, Paul Klee, contemporary artists like Haegue Yang, Leonor Antúnes, and the rich Mexican culture. Valdés aims to bring the knowledge of sacred symbols used by indigenous peoples and various artisanal traditions into the present, bridging the gap between the earthly and the celestial, and viewing art as a medium to connect with higher realms.
a world of organic interactions
In an interview with Maria Radke in late 2019, Chilean artist Amalia Valdés discusses her artistic process and inspirations in her Berlin-Wedding studio. Valdés emphasizes her curiosity and experimental approach to materials, particularly cork, noting its dynamic responses to different techniques. She reflects on her exhibition "Symbolic Match" at Galerie Seippel, where she showcased cork paintings with geometric, colored symbols, some with ancient origins and diverse meanings. Valdés also speaks about the influence of sacred geometry and universal harmony in her work, and the importance of connecting her art to her Latin American roots, particularly pre-Columbian symbols and geometry. Influenced by artists like Anni Albers, Hilma af Klint, Ema Kunz, Lygia Pape, Lygia Clark, and Carmen Herrera, Valdés values the interplay between art and craftsmanship. Choosing Berlin as her base, she appreciates the city's cultural diversity and resistance to modern societal changes. She looks forward to future projects, including exhibitions in Chile and a residency, while striving to preserve cultural memory and roots in her art.