A group of 13 Colombian artists is set to transform the deserted TELECOM building in downtown Bogotá into a thought-provoking art exhibition.
The project, titled “NULL,” will, according to a statement, open its doors to the public on October 5, 2024, running through November 2.
Once a symbol of progress and technological advancement, the TELECOM building has stood vacant since 2003, a stark reminder of government mismanagement and corruption. Now, curators William Contreras Alfonso and Linda Pongutá aim to rewrite its narrative through art.
NULL, a term in telecommunications referring to errors or false data inputs, serves as a metaphor for the exhibition’s central theme. The curators explain, “We’re reevaluating mistakes and system errors as potential starting points for new ideas and future possibilities, with human connection at its core.”
The diverse group of artists, including Alejandro Salcedo, Ana María Montenegro and María Leguízamo, will occupy three floors of the abandoned structure.
Other exhibiting artists are: Matilde Guerrero,cWilliam Contreras Alfonso, Néstor Marcelo Gutiérrez, Luisa Roa, Maria Clara Figueroa, APLO + Mano Cambiada, Linda Pongutá,
Sebastián Mira and Wilmer Rodriguez.
Each artist will create site-specific installations using existing elements within the building, exploring the complex nature of human interconnectivity in the modern age.
The TELECOM building’s fall from grace mirrors the economic struggles of Bogotá’s downtown area, often obscured by gentrification efforts. By hosting this exhibition, the organisers hope to spark dialogue about urban decay, corruption and the potential for artistic intervention to revitalise neglected spaces.
Visitors can expect a wide range of artistic approaches, from traditional media to cutting-edge digital installations. One confirmed piece by William Contreras Alfonso features bird skeletons found within the building, a poignant commentary on the structure’s abandonment and the passage of time.
The exhibition is made possible through apexart’s Open Call programme and is supported by various arts foundations and public funds. It represents a unique opportunity for the public to access a normally restricted space and engage with contemporary art in an unconventional setting.
As Bogotá continues to grapple with its urban development challenges, this exhibition offers a creative lens through which to view the city’s past, present and potential future.
The opening reception on October 5 at 13:00 is expected to draw art enthusiasts, urban planners and curious locals alike to this once-bustling epicentre of Colombian telecommunications.
For those unable to attend in person, the curators encourage following the project online through apexart’s website, where additional information and images will be available.
- Featured image: William Contreras Alfonso, Untitled, 2018
