AtanariaThe exhibition Mari Chordà… And Many Other Things at the Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA) is a magnificent homage to one of the most revolutionary figures in contemporary art, literature, and activism. Through this deeply resonant retrospective, the curators have masterfully woven a tapestry that not only showcases Chordà’s unparalleled creative breadth but also immerses the viewer in the uncompromising fervor of her convictions. Spanning decades of artistic and social upheaval, the exhibition is a triumphant celebration of her work as an artist, feminist, and cultural provocateur.
A Life Intertwined with Activism and Art
Mari Chordà’s work is an extraordinary synthesis of the personal and the political, a fusion that this exhibition makes viscerally palpable. Her life story and oeuvre are inseparable, creating a “present continuous” in which action, creation, and reflection coalesce. The exhibition invites visitors to journey through the vital spaces where Chordà’s work emerged—not merely the physical spaces, like the groundbreaking Lo Llar cultural center or the radical feminist hub laSal, but the intellectual and emotional terrains she so fearlessly traversed. These were spaces not of mere rebellion but of construction, where pleasure and resistance were forged as tools of empowerment.
Feminism as a Living, Pulsating Force
At the heart of this exhibition lies Chordà’s pioneering feminism, which continues to reverberate with startling relevance. In defiance of the oppressive constraints of the Franco regime, she forged a bold path to reclaim visibility for women, their experiences, and their creative power. Her commitment to feminist principles manifests in every piece on display, from her evocative paintings of the female body to her poetic explorations of intimacy and identity. The exhibition does not merely situate Chordà within the history of feminist art—it propels her to its vanguard, illustrating how her work continues to challenge societal norms.
The Playfulness of Subversion
What makes Chordà’s work so remarkable is its capacity to blend playfulness with profound critique. Her sculptures, for instance, invite tactile interaction, embodying a sense of joy and freedom that is inherently subversive. Similarly, her unapologetic embrace of pleasure as a mode of resistance—a theme that echoes throughout her artistic and literary output—offers a refreshing counterpoint to the often austere tenor of political activism. The exhibition captures this ethos with exuberant precision, presenting her pieces as both celebrations of life and tools for dismantling oppressive structures.
A Revolutionary Visual Language
Chordà’s groundbreaking work in painting, particularly her audacious exploration of feminine sexuality, is perhaps the most striking element of the exhibition. Her 1964 painting of the vagina—a radiant, semi-abstract celebration of the female form—stands as a seminal moment in art history. Through lush, pop-inspired colors and fluid, organic forms, she transforms the once-taboo into a site of beauty, vitality, and agency. This sensuous visual language, echoed in her depictions of body fluids and sexual intimacy, continues to astonish for its boldness and innovation. Far from reducing the body to an object, Chordà’s work exalts it as a vessel of lived experience and creative potential.
A Legacy Illuminated
The curatorial brilliance of this exhibition lies in its ability to contextualize Chordà’s work within broader cultural and historical frameworks while allowing her singular voice to shine through. Archival materials, such as photographs, writings, and recordings, enrich the visitor’s understanding of her multifaceted practice, underscoring her role as a trailblazer in feminist thought and artistic experimentation. The exhibition is not merely a retrospective but an invitation to engage with Chordà’s legacy as a dynamic, ongoing dialogue with the present.
A Must-See Testament to Courage and Creativity
Mari Chordà… And Many Other Things is an essential pilgrimage for anyone interested in the intersections of art, feminism, and cultural transformation. The exhibition is a resounding testament to Chordà’s ability to illuminate the intimate and the universal with equal grace. Her work reminds us that art is not merely a reflection of society but a potent force for its reinvention. At MACBA, Mari Chordà’s vision takes center stage, compelling us to see—and feel—the world anew.
