Tate Modern usually keeps its annual Turbine Hall commission strictly under wraps, but this year the Mexican artist Abraham Cruzvillegas has been working in full view of visitors.
Empty Lot is the title of the piece he is making for the first in a new series of site-specific commissions sponsored by the Korean car maker Hyundai. Cruzvillegas says he sees the enormous scaffolding that extends out from both sides of the Turbine Hall’s central bridge and which supports a pair of large wooden platforms bearing triangular planters filled with earth taken from London’s parks and gardens as “a possible portrait of myself as something that grew up out of nothing”. Cruzvillegas, who was born and remains based in Mexico City, says that gathering London’s soil has been “a way for me to understand more about the culture and history not only of this city but of this country”.
He is, however, adamant that “we are not gardening at all”. Instead, he describes the piece as “a metaphor for identity”, adding: “Soil means a lot to all of us whether we are from Mexico or London, and I hope that everyone will ask their own questions about who they are.”
Quite what will emerge from the capital’s soil during the exhibition’s five-month run is anyone’s guess – including the artist’s. “It’s all about hope,” he says.
Abraham Cruzvillegas: Empty Lot is due to open on 13 October and will run until 20 March 2016.
