School of aging

“I reflect upon violence”, says Ana Gallardo. “In fact, the violence of aging, of loneliness as death approaches. It is an invitation to dwell on the territory of the elderly in contemporary times. What are the roles of the elderly after retirement in a social system with the contradiction of having old people who appear younger than their age and are, at the same time, increasingly segregated? Does it make any sense for this contemporary world to look at them?” Gallardo also puts forth questions related to her own artistic practice: “What is the role of art at this historical juncture? I am keen on practices that bring about change and organize an experience with a ainable goals (...) I am particularly interested in the construction of works that are on the verge of failure as artistic pieces and that are regarded merely as an action with a social purpose. In any event, this crossover between a possible social practice and artistic practice continues to fuel a great conflict.

To such a purpose, I propose a school where aging can be learnt through the different activities that the elderly currently perform. These classes are given by these people to a general public”, adds the artist. The show includes these actions and is open to future events within the simultaneity of the BIENALSUR territory.