An intervention by Mar Arza

This intervention invites us to question whether it is possible to erase the patriarchal structures embedded in our ways of living. It stems from the artist’s reflection on the strappo technique, which made it possible to preserve the valuable collection of Romanesque mural paintings in the Museum. This technique consists of applying a fine cloth with soluble glue onto the paintings which, when removed, lifts the most superficial layer of paint from the wall, later transferred onto another support.

During a visit to the Museum’s storage rooms, the artist discovered the second extractions of the murals. While the first layers of paint are on display in the galleries, the second ones remain in storage and serve as study material. They resemble dried skins, with blurred stains of paint — in some cases completely abstract.

Faced with the material quality and evocative power of these pieces, the artist’s research converges with previous reflections centred on the urge to erase the structural marks of a patriarchal system that remains present — often unnoticed — and that demands a constant struggle, a determined action to eradicate hidden violence and discrimination.

The project will consist of creating a mural painting on a Museum wall featuring a sentence that states that this patriarchal structure does not dismantle itself by chance. The mural will then be removed using the strappo technique, so that even after stripping away the superficial layer, visible traces will remain on the wall. The difficulty becomes evident. Mar Arza challenges us: How many more layers will we need to remove in order to neutralise its effects and its presence?