Pedro Reyes on Sculpture as Social Practice in Louisiana Channel Interview
In a 2025 interview with Louisiana Channel, Mexican sculptor Pedro Reyes, who has an architectural background, elaborates on his diverse work that encompasses sculpture, architecture, social engagement, and activism. He describes sculpture as the act of 'changing the shape of things,' which transcends mere physical forms to include social dimensions. Influenced by Joseph Beuys and Mexico's legacy of socially engaged art, Reyes champions 'social sculpture,' where collective participation is key. His initiative Palas por Pistolas (Shovels for Guns) successfully gathered 15,000 guns, transforming them into 1,500 shovels for planting trees, symbolizing both physical and psychological change. Additionally, he practices traditional stone carving with volcanic stone near Mexico City, viewing art as 'a surplus reality' that fosters experimentation and new living possibilities. Louisiana Channel is a video interview series produced by Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.
Key facts
- Pedro Reyes is a Mexican sculptor trained as an architect.
- His practice spans sculpture, architecture, social engagement, and activism.
- The interview was conducted in 2025 by Louisiana Channel.
- Reyes defines sculpture as 'changing the shape of things, taking a material and giving it a new form.'
- He practices 'social sculpture' influenced by Joseph Beuys and Mexico's tradition of socially committed art.
- Palas por Pistolas collected 15,000 firearms, melted into 1,500 shovels to plant 1,500 trees.
- He works with volcanic stone collected near Mexico City.
- Art functions as 'a surplus reality' for envisioning alternative ways of living.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Louisiana Channel
- Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Locations
- Mexico
- Mexico City