Ume Dahlia

Contemporary Art Practice (MA)

About

Ume Dahlia (b.1995) is a Mexican-Chilean artist based in London. Her practice focuses on encounters that are interwoven in different cultural identities. From a sensibility and interest in psychology, anthropology and mysticism, she gathers material and symbolic cultural content to elaborate on her practice.

 

In her latest work, the artist delves into themes of trauma, agency and metamorphosis. Drawing on her Latina roots and applying a multidisciplinary approach, Ume Dahlia reimagines pre-Columbian zoomorphic urns as symbolic vessels.

The installation features 21 clay urns, resembling oysters, arranged with salt patterns that evoke ocean currents, exploring the interplay between experiences of traumatic cultural emancipation and gender oppression.

The painting, “La Perla (sublimation),” portrays the intangible transformation of trauma into resilience. Through her work, the artist invites us to contemplate the amplification of trauma, tracing a mysterious path from the human body to the vast expanses of her homeland and inciting us to reflect on the complexities of healing and recovery of hidden territories.

 

contact: umedahlia@gmail.com

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