Juan Diego Tobalina Explores Family Fiction at Enhorabuena Espacio, Madrid
At Enhorabuena Espacio in Madrid, Juan Diego Tobalina's exhibition delves into the divided identity of his uncle, known as Efraín and Carlos. Although Tobalina never met Carlos and only knew Efraín, he later discovered that Carlos had a distinct persona, complete with a filmography and evolving character. Rather than reconstructing Carlos's life, the exhibition investigates the remnants left behind amid conflicting narratives and fragmented recollections. Tobalina revisits Infrasexum, Carlos's debut film, where the main character seeks pleasure through fleeting experiences, ultimately drawing inspiration from painting. The exhibition showcases works that resonate with elements from the films, reflecting Tobalina's artistic exploration of the interplay between materials and the notion that identity requires a crafted environment to thrive.
Key facts
- The exhibition is by Juan Diego Tobalina at Enhorabuena Espacio in Madrid.
- Tobalina's uncle was known as Efraín within the family but also lived under the name Carlos.
- Carlos built a filmography, an archive, and a shifting character.
- The exhibition does not aim to reconstruct Carlos's life or verify its truth.
- Tobalina repeatedly references Infrasexum, Carlos's first directed film.
- Infrasexum's protagonist seeks pleasure through carnal and superficial stimuli, ultimately finding painting as life's true motivation.
- The works in the show do not illustrate the films but engage with their remnants.
- Tobalina links the project to his own artistic methods: reflections, filters, transparencies, hidden objects, and material experimentation.
Entities
Artists
- Juan Diego Tobalina
- Carlos
- Efraín
Institutions
- Enhorabuena Espacio
Locations
- Madrid
- Spain