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‘It was a way of processing violences I’ve survived’: how iconoclastic musician Arca beat burnout with frenzied painting
After a meteoric decade in music, supporting the likes of Madonna and Beyoncé, the 36-year-old Venezuelan crashed out. Now the nightmarish paintings that got her back on track are on display
TL;DR
- Arca, real name Alejandra Ghersi, is exhibiting her paintings for the first time at the ICA in London.
- The paintings, titled 'Angels', were created as a way for Ghersi to recover from burnout after a successful decade in the music industry.
- Ghersi uses a variety of materials, including oils, acrylic, glitter, latex, and melted plastic, to create thick, textured canvases with 'nightmarish' faces.
- The artistic process was visceral and therapeutic, helping her to process past violences and reconnect with her initial creative enthusiasm.
- Ghersi's work draws inspiration from biblical imagery, psychoanalysis, and concepts of mutation.
- The exhibition marks a full-circle moment, connecting her current visual art practice to her early interest in 3D animation.
- Arca is preparing to release a new mixtape, inspired by the healing process derived from her painting.