NADA MIAMI 2024: CHÁVIS MÁRMOL

DEC 3 - DEC 7, 2024
BOOTH D305

JO-HS Gallery is pleased to present the work of Mexican artist Chavis Mármol at NADA Miami
2024.

Artist’s statement

Born in Apan, Hidalgo, and currently based in Mexico City, Mármol’s practice merges humor, irony, and social critique to tackle issues such as late-stage capitalism, cultural stereotypes, and indigenous identity. His extensive knowledge of materials, ranging from stone and metal to wood and organic elements—allows him to craft sculptures that are both technically sophisticated and conceptually profound. The works showcased at the fair resemble fossilized still lifes, featuring meticulously carved figures of animals and plants that appear as ancient remains preserved in stone. These compositions are installed with sharp, fossilized spines, referencing the ancestral ceiba tree, symbolizing both death and preservation over time. Recurring motifs such as thorns, fangs, and claws illustrate how animals and plants have evolved with sharp appendages for protection, contrasting with humans, who historically created weapons and tools to fulfill this need. This subtle critique on human adaptation is central to Mármol's exploration. The pieces, with their dark, textured surfaces, bring out the intricate details of each fossilized figure, inviting viewers to closely examine the delicate and powerful forms. Conceptually, Mármol uses these prehistoric references to inspire reflection on how we draw from vestiges of antiquity to shape modern perception. Through this series, he explores themes of survival, evolution, and the human inclination to shape and arm itself in response to natural forces, blending a sense of timelessness with a sharp commentary on cultural heritage and the human condition.