Alexandre Arrechea
Bio
Alexandre Arrechea (1970, Trinidad, Cuba) is a prominent contemporary artist known for his thought-provoking works that blend architecture, sculpture, and urbanism. A founding member of the acclaimed Cuban collective Los Carpinteros (1991-2003), Arrechea transitioned to solo work, focusing on themes like power, surveillance, and the dynamics of public and private spaces. His large-scale installations often reimagine iconic buildings, exploring their malleability and cultural significance.
Arrechea's celebrated projects include No Limits (2013), where twisting skyscrapers adorned New York's Park Avenue, symbolizing resilience and adaptability. His works have been showcased internationally, including at the Havana Biennial, the Venice Biennale, and leading institutions like the Museum of Modern Art. Through his inventive approach, Arrechea challenges viewers to rethink their relationship with urban environments and the socio-political narratives they embody.
Statement
Alexandre Arrechea’s practice blurs the boundaries between architecture, sculpture, and urban design through a dynamic use of scale, materiality, and spatial distortion. Working with materials like metal, wood, and concrete, he reimagines iconic architectural forms into elastic, fluid, and collapsing entities that question notions of power, stability, and transformation. By integrating his works into public spaces, Arrechea fosters dialogue between structure and environment, offering a refined yet critical reflection on the symbolic frameworks of modern life.
2.5 x 4m / 98.4 x 157 in
