Brash feathers, flowers in bloom, jostling bodies in flux; there’s a bold carnival spirit in this series from Venezuelan multidisciplinary artist Victoria Ruiz. But just as the history of resistance to colonial oppression was innate in the first iterations of carnival, Ruiz’s handmade, wearable sculptures – along with the poses and props of the figures dressed in them – convey more than mere festivity. Created in response to recent events in her home country, the sculptures are on display as part of the International Women’s Day exhibition at Sarabande, where Ruiz is an artist in residence. They are beautiful images of power and solidarity, violence and spirituality, all tied together by embracing nature and her native culture.
Some of Victoria Ruiz’s work will be shown as part of Sarabande’s International Women’s Day exhibition is at Sarabande Foundation, London N1, until 10 March
