SANTANDER.- A new show by Turner Prize-winning artist, Martin Creed, opened this weekend at Centro Botín in Santander. AMIGOS runs from 6 April until 9 June 2019.

AMIGOS is a site-wide commission
Stretching from the surrounding Pereda Gardens all the way into the second-floor galleries of Centro Botín, by way of the lift and lobbies, Martin Creed breaks down the physical and institutional boundaries between the galleries and the rest of the building, including live performances of a new work by roving musicians; the creation of monumental wall paintings that will cover every inch of the walls of the galleries and the surrounding spaces on the second floor, and with gallery staff wearing uniforms painted by Creed. At each end of the gallery, the views from the large bay windows over the Santander Bay and the gardens have been incorporated in to this unique show.

The project is curated by Benjamin Weil, Artistic Director of Centro Botín.

Speaking about the show, Benjamin Weil, said: “This pluridiscliplinary and multi-dimensional project invites visitors to reconsider their environment, drawing attention not just to the humblest details of the architectural elements of the building that are often overlooked, but also to the gallery attendants themselves, fostering a more acute and attentive look at what are generally regarded as the most menial aspects of the environment. We are especially delighted that the work is being developed here at Centro Botín in close collaboration with young artists during Martin Creed’s invited residency as part of our International Artists Workshop programme.”

Since 1994, the Fundación Botín Visual Arts Workshops have brought together young artists from all over the world with such major creative talents as Tacita Dean, Carlos Garaiocoa, Mona Hatoum, Carsten Höller, Cristina Iglesias, Joan Jonas, Jannis Kounellis, Julie Mehretu, Gabriel Orozco, Juliao Sarmento and Juan Uslé. For his workshop, Martin Creed has invited young artists and musicians to a ten-day session during which they will work on scripting and composing a new piece, whilst also working on their own personal projects under his mentorship.

Martin Creed will make sketches documenting the progress of the show, which will be published in a special facsimile edition by Centro Botín to accompany the project.