Introduction to the book and catalogue Un Elemento mas
Introduction to the exhibition and the project in whole. Say maybe a little from the drive documentary from Rotterdam down to Málaga. And then how we were filming and photographing in the streets and talking to and getting to know people around. The tempo was of course new for us, or well at least me – the tempo of the heat.
We encounter an amazingly beautiful city with an old center full of life, constant creation and destruction and strong territorial tensions. A city obviously ruled by speculation, from here and from there, an international affair. In some areas whole streets closed down, buildings falling apart, made uninhabitable for people, just waiting for the third man, to demolish and organize the business for the new “best” buyer.
It is dedicated to all those who affectionately preserve and take care of the corralones(1), houses and streets where they live. Day after day, in the complete insecurity, not knowing how long they can stay there for and where will they have to move to. Dedicated to those who fight to preserve this historic and cultural patrimony.
(1) Group of old houses surrounding a patio. (Translator’s Note)
Libia y Ólafur
Epílogo
In between the debris of the given up quarters there are new inhabitants. Those who have more difficulties with and because of the hypocrisy of the inter/national politics. Those who have to build their house out of leftovers, while working and waiting for better conditions and possibilities to live.
Many of them are travelers, brave creative adventurers in search for a better life amongst others, and each time more, fugitives, victims of the injustices of mankind and of precarious situations, that seem to have no end. In western (arrogant) Europe they are being criminalized as annoyingly disturbing load, without any rights – illegals-.
Globalization in politics and economy, but with a No Class, one way ticket: “Maybe I won’t make it?” While the First Class/ Business Class: “I’m coming flying, don’t disturb me, be good and follow, because I’m not mistaken, I’m democratic and can buy my rights!”
Libia y Ólafur