PAULA DO PRADO & LAURA DO PRADO MARTIRENA
“VOLVER”

ARTBOX FISHER LIBRARY, LEVEL 3 (2023)

Paula Do Prado & Laura Do Prado Martirena, Volver, 2023. Papier-mâché, paint, found objects. Images courtesy of Morgan Hogg.

ARTIST STATEMENT

This collection of works represents a moment in time within the ongoing creative and material conversation between artist Paula do Prado and her mother, Laura do Prado Martirena. They both work back into their material archives, through collecting, accumulating and sorting materials including previously made artwork to create something new, re-imagined. Volver is a Spanish word, meaning to return or go back but it can also mean to turn, twist or pivot – to ‘dar la vuelta’ to turn round so that what is hidden or obscured is made visible. 

The paper vessels have been made by Laura using recycled cardboard and paper resulting in both functional and sculptural forms. The time-consuming process involves turning the cardboard manually into pulp and using household objects as moulds to sculpt and shape the pulp. After several days, once dry, these are then painted. Paula’s work is a re-imagining of circa 2010 series of painted sculptural forms made from off the shelf wooden furniture legs and feet. Connecting the paper and wooden forms are collected natural materials along with small weavings and handmade clay beads made by both Laura and Paula. Like the Pedro Almodóvar film of the same title, there are multiple interconnected themes at play; life cycles, matriarchy, family, womanhood, nature and magic.

Paula Do Prado & Laura Do Prado Martirena, Volver, 2023. Papier-mâché, paint, found objects. Images courtesy of Morgan Hogg.

Paula Do Prado & Laura Do Prado Martirena, Volver, 2023. Papier-mâché, paint, found objects. Images courtesy of Morgan Hogg.

Paula Do Prado & Laura Do Prado Martirena, Volver, 2023. Papier-mâché, paint, found objects. Images courtesy of Morgan Hogg.

Verge Projects is a platform that aims to strengthen the University of Sydney community and networks through on-campus art activations. Verge Projects delivers community engaged projects led by and in collaboration with student and student groups. Stepping outside of art faculties and spaces, this program encourages inclusive and creative experiences campus wide.