Interview
Emi Wilcox
The artistic journey of Emi Wilcox (Madrid, 1981) stands out for its variety and its formal richness. For more than a decade he has produced work as a video artist, photographer and performer. He has received recognition from festivals in different cities in Spain and Europe. Recently, Emi has focused his attention on the collage technique where he has found a space for creative reconciliation, under the brand Collage_gen_o.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My artistic journey is deeply intertwined with my identity. My path into the art world was not a formal one, but rather an urgent, internal calling. I am a self-taught, compulsive, and often undisciplined creator. My artistic foundation was built in the realms of photography and video creation, where I began to explore the world around me. This work evolved naturally, almost inevitably, into the more visceral and immediate medium of action art and performance. This shift was a crucial point in my career, as it allowed me to use my own body as a canvas and a tool for expression. My career is a perpetual dance between these different facets of my creative self, making it at times difficult to separate the artist from the person. Recently, I discovered the fascinating world of collage, creating a new brand called Collage-gen-o.”
What inspires you?
“Inspiration, for me, is everywhere. It’s in the quiet decay of urban landscapes, the haunting beauty of a derelict building, and the human stories etched into the faces of strangers. I am a keen observer of my surroundings, constantly documenting the ‘Hambruna Perruna’ (Dog Hunger) and ‘Urban postcards’ that capture the raw and often overlooked aspects of urban life. I am fascinated by the interplay between human nature and the industrial world, the beauty in desolation, and the stories hidden behind closed doors and windows. The detritus of the industrial world, the forgotten objects , people and spaces in the modern cities, speak to me of resilience and the relentless march of time. I am inspired by the raw, unpolished reality of the world, finding a kind of perverse beauty in things that are ugly or disgusting for the rest.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I believe that art should challenge and provoke, preventing us from becoming apathetic. My work is a relentless pursuit of truth, often through themes that are uncomfortable or challenging. I delve into the concepts of vulnerability and identity, exploring the conflict between the internal self and our external facade. I am fascinated by the idea of being ‘De$protegido’ (Unprotected) and what it means to be stripped of our defenses. My art often contains a commentary on the fleeting nature of existence, as seen in projects like ‘609 momentos fugaces’ (609 fleeting moments). There is an unmistakable underlying message: I believe that art should shake us from our apathy. My work aims to provoke a reaction, to force a confrontation with reality, and to challenge the viewer to think beyond their own indifference.”
“I believe that art should challenge and provoke, preventing us from becoming apathetic. My work is a relentless pursuit of truth, often through themes that are uncomfortable or challenging.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work is best described as a multi-disciplinary narrative. It is a fusion of photography, performance art and visual composition like collages and installations. My performances are often intense, long-duration pieces like ‘DCIX’ that use my body to explore physical and psychological limits. My photographic work, on the other hand, captures these poignant, often staged moments, creating a record of a performance or a feeling. The result is a body of work that is a continuous dialogue between the controlled image and the chaotic, spontaneous act. It's not about creating a perfect final product, but about the process of discovery itself. My art is a narrative of self-exploration and a conversation between the artist's ego and the documented world.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I am most influenced by artists who use their bodies as a primary medium and who are unafraid to expose their own raw humanity, like Johannes Deimling or Marina Abramovic. I am drawn to the pioneers of performance art and those who work in action art, for their courage in using their presence to create temporary, unforgettable experiences. I find inspiration in photographers who capture the unvarnished truth of a subject, creating images that are both beautiful and brutally honest, like Sebastiao Salgado or Steve McCurry. These influences have shaped my belief that the artist's role is not just to create an object, but to create an experience.”
What is your creative process like?
“My creative process is less of a structured plan and more of an intuitive exploration. It's a journey that often begins with fear and uncertainty, as I confront a blank canvas or an empty stage. I embrace this unpredictability, allowing the materials and my surroundings to guide me. In my performance work, there is no script, just an idea and a set of parameters, allowing for a continuous dialogue between control and spontaneity. Regarding collage, for example, the process is the most important part of the work, a record of resilience where challenges become opportunities for transformation. There is no perfect blueprint; the work is shaped by every decision and hesitation along the way.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“An artist's fundamental role in society is to act as a catalyst against indifference. We are not just creators; we are observers, provocateurs, and storytellers who hold a mirror up to the world. We force people to look at things they might otherwise ignore. I see this role evolving rapidly in the digital age. The internet and social media have blurred the lines between the artist and the audience, making art more immediate, accessible, and participatory. The artist's voice can now reach a global audience instantly, allowing for a more direct engagement with social and political issues. The art world is moving beyond the traditional gallery space, and this democratization of art is a powerful and necessary evolution.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“My exhibitions and performances are a record of my artistic evolution. A few that hold particular significance for me are: ‘Especie en Extinción’ (Species in Extinction), a performance at Centro Párraga, Murcia, in 2013, which was a powerful and visceral commentary on human vulnerability. The performance ‘Sinning with a song II’ at the Kreae artistic residency in Lisbon, Portugal, in 2012. This was a challenging and cathartic experience that pushed my boundaries. ‘De$protegido’ (Unprotected), a performance held during the Noche de los Museos in Cartagena, Murcia, in 2011, which was an important early work that explored themes of exposure and identity. The group exhibition ‘A través del entramado, ver sin ser visto’ (Through the framework, to see without being seen) at the Museo Siyâsa in Cieza, which featured my performance ‘Sinning with...’ This was a notable experience as it allowed me to present my work in a museum context. A nossa Senhora da Boa morte, in 2020, a performance that intervened the exhibition from the artist Maringuevara at Centro Parraga, Murcia, where I crossed all the boundaries of my own physical limits and foreshadow the upcoming global pandemic.”
