‘Sprouting Stories’ by Modelab launched on Thursday, August 8, was accompanied by a talk featuring Claudia Arozqueta and Rodrigo Azaola at Takeover Beirut. During their month-long residency at Takeover, Modelab transformed the gallery into a mixed-media genealogical garden. This installation, composed of images, plant samples, and decorative elements, elevates personal histories into a collective aesthetic experience. Through experimental archival techniques, Modelab celebrates family memories and identities as a tribute to present life. The exhibition is designed to be ever-evolving, continuing until the end of August. The photos featured in the article capture the initial stages of the installation, but Modelab will be conducting fieldwork to invite more people to contribute their family stories. Additionally, the work from participants in the workshop conducted on the 14th of August is being used to expand the “genealogical garden.”
Modelab, founded in 2014 by Claudia Arozqueta and Rodrigo Azaola, is a nomadic artistic initiative based in Mexico that explores public space, ecologies, and experimental historical narratives. Their projects have been realised in diverse locations, including streets, parks, billboards, and museums across Australia, New Zealand, France, Mexico, Taiwan, the Philippines, and more.
Claudia Arozqueta is a historian, curator, and writer focusing on the intersections of art, nature, science, and technology. With a PhD in Art History and Theory from the University of New South Wales, Australia, her research specializes in the history of media and technoscience in visual and sound arts. Her work has been featured in numerous publications, including Leonardo, Artforum, e-flux Criticism, Frieze, and Art21. Arozqueta has curated exhibitions internationally and founded Modelab to explore public space and experimental historical narratives.
Rodrigo Azaola focuses on the financial structures and their impact on biological timelines. His recent projects include Debt Architecture in Berlin, Microtransactiones in Limassol, and Tremor in Montréal. He has exhibited in prestigious venues worldwide, such as the Havana Biennial, Jumex Museum, and the CCA Wattis Institute for Contemporary Arts.
Location: Takeover Beirut
Dates: August 8 – 31, 2024