Anna Rubio

Artist Portfolio

THE RESONANCE OF THE HERMITAGE CHURCHES

This project grew from a desire to recognise, through artistic projects, the historic and cultural importance of the hermitage churches of the Natural Park of the High Pyrenees, works which began as the result of a creative process based on “feeling” the aura of the churches themselves and listening to their natural surroundings. This allowed the artist to establish a relationship with the place, and through performance to offer the public a fresh view of these once important buildings.

The hermitage churches of the Pallars Sobirà, the majority of which are Romanesque and situated in extraordinarily beautiful surroundings, are so often a mere excuse for tourists to get into their cars and drive from one site to another, viewing them only as part of the scenery, without taking the time to think about their significance as part of the history of the region.
For centuries the hermitage churches were places of prayer and reflection which went far beyond their association with the Catholic church’s rituals. Some of them have little by little fallen into disrepair and, sadly, run the risk of disappearing completely. It is now time to recognise their importance as places imbued with the essence of those who used them, as well as with the spirit of their exceptional surroundings.
The project started with a residency at the Centre d’Art i Natura in Farrera in July 2014, as part of the European programme – Frontiers in Retreat, and with support from the Natural Park of the High Pyrenees.
Walking this terrain, smelling and feeling its every space I have t0 express my emotions. I dance there, discovering a vulnerable but welcoming ground, a wind that is brusque but which carries me along, the stones of ruins which tell me lots of stories, my own included. And I take my leave of them dreaming of a way to bring these ancient places and their secrets to tourists, to locals and to lovers of art and nature.

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