Patricia Sandonis on Art as Collective Practice and the Need for Structural Change
In a conversation with Plataforma de Arte Contemporáneo, Spanish artist Patricia Sandonis (born 1984, Valladolid) reflects on her diverse artistic journey, highlighting how her surroundings shape her work. She supports Universal Basic Income for artists, advocates for lower VAT on cultural products, and critiques the age restrictions in grants that leave out those over 35. Sandonis points out the difficulties faced by artist-mothers and stresses the necessity for institutions to embrace risk. Her notable career includes her debut solo show at Teatro Calderón in Valladolid (2012), a master's degree from Universität der Künste Berlin, and significant projects like 'Valor de Intercambio' (2013), a residency at PRAKSIS (2018), and future exhibitions at Museo Patio Herreriano (2024) and Berlin (2025). She also has four upcoming projects in Berlin, Santander, Valladolid, and Barcelona.
Key facts
- Patricia Sandonis was born in Valladolid in 1984.
- She holds a degree in Fine Arts from Universidad Complutense de Madrid and a master's in Art in Context from Universität der Künste Berlin.
- Her first solo exhibition was in 2012 at Teatro Calderón in Valladolid.
- In 2013 she created 'Valor de Intercambio' in Valladolid's Plaza Mayor.
- She completed a residency at PRAKSIS in Oslo in 2018.
- In 2023 she collaborated with Jelena Fuzinato on 'Hard Core, Soft Edges'.
- Her 2024 project 'Ignorada en público' was shown at Museo Patio Herreriano.
- Her 2025 solo exhibition 'Incertidumbre en consenso' at Museo Patio Herreriano marked her farewell to Germany.
- She is currently creating a permanent installation for the Berlin Senate.
- She advocates for Universal Basic Income for artists and a reduced cultural VAT.
- She criticizes age limits in grants and residencies that discriminate against artists over 35.
- She cites Fernanda Gomes's installation at Museo Patio Herreriano as a key influence.
Entities
Artists
- Patricia Sandonis
- Jelena Fuzinato
- Fernanda Gomes
Institutions
- Plataforma de Arte Contemporáneo
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid
- Universität der Künste Berlin
- Teatro Calderón
- PRAKSIS
- Museo Patio Herreriano
- Senado de Berlín
Locations
- Valladolid
- Spain
- Madrid
- Berlin
- Germany
- Oslo
- Norway
- Barcelona
- Santander