Hito Steyerl: Duty-Free Art (Spanish and English Edition)

Hito Steyerl (Munich, 1966), considered one of the most relevant contemporary artists in the field of video art, addresses current issues in her work, such as the impact caused by the proliferation of images and the use of the Internet and digital technologies in our daily lives. These serve as the starting point for developing a critical work on control, surveillance, militarization, migration, cultural globalization, feminism, and political imagery, which she believes are capable of creating realities, not only through her video work but also in her writings and essays.

The exhibition catalogue, held at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía (November 11, 2015 - March 21, 2016), showcases Steyerl's work. She often uses humor as a tool to create video narratives, and her language is occasionally close to everyday life, allowing her to deeply analyze how the current consumption of images and new forms of access to information condition the channels of communication.

Through her critical approach, Steyerl explores themes that are highly relevant in today's society, such as the impact of the proliferation of images and the role of the Internet and digital technologies in our daily lives. These themes serve as the foundation for her exploration of issues like control, surveillance, militarization, migration, cultural globalization, feminism, and political imagery, which she believes have the power to shape reality.

Steyerl's work is not limited to her video art; she also engages in writing and essays, further expanding the depth and breadth of her critical analysis. Her use of humor as a narrative device, combined with a language that sometimes reflects the quotidian, allows her to effectively convey her insights and perspectives on the complex interplay between the consumption of images, the dissemination of information, and the ways in which these elements influence our communication and understanding of the world around us.

The exhibition catalogue at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía serves as a comprehensive exploration of Steyerl's multifaceted artistic practice, showcasing her ability to address pressing societal concerns through her innovative and thought-provoking work.

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