Dialogues on the Border: Talk & Discussion by Carlos Irijalba and Joaquín del Val

When we talk about such different disciplines as art and science, it may be difficult to imagine that there can be a connection between them. But it is not actually that hard to discover a close and rich relationship between these two forms of knowledge. In fact, it would be impossible to fully understand human culture if we analyse these disciplines as unconnected elements.

Contemporary art and geology are clear examples of this fascinating interaction. The analysis of the relationship between both disciplines is precisely the aim of the third “Dialogues on the Border”, which will take place on 27 March at Bidebarrieta Library in Bilbao.

The talk will start at 7pm and will analyse the connection between contemporary art and geology through the works of Carlos Irijalba, one of the most international artists today. He will be interviewed by geologist Joaquín del Val, author of the blog Arte y Geología.

Carlos Irijalba is a multifaceted artist who works with various art media like photography, video and sculpture, as well as with various geological elements, like fluorite crystal drilling, for example. Irijalba’s art is a clear example of how art and science are inseparable, as the main element in many of his works is science, especially geology. The relationship between humans and their environment and the construction of reality, time, matter, dimension, scale and structure are key elements in his work

This event, which mainly aims to create a space for dialogue between art and science, is part of the “Scientific Bidebarrieta” series, a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the UPV/EHU and Bidebarrieta Library to discuss current scientific issues.

The Speakers

Carlos Irijalba graduated in Fine Arts from the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). His works are included in public collections all over the globe and he has exhibited them in important places such as the Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona, Tabacalera in Madrid, Guangdong Museum of Contemporary Art in China, Centre Pompidou in Paris and the LMCC Art Center at Governors Island in New York. He has won several awards, including the 2013 Purificación García Photography Award, 2015 Shifting Foundation Grant, 2010 PhotoEspaña Best New Photographer and ART Situations award at ARCO2018.

Joaquín del Val graduated in Geology from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. After working at the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain, he joined a geology consultancy firm in Bilbao where he carried out surveys and geological-geomorphological mapping. He has taken part in the development of thematic mapping of Ecuador and he is currently working in Seville as part of the Neotectonics, Geomorphology and Paleoseismicity research group, which is studying the environment of the nuclear power station of Almaraz. He writes a blog, Arte y Geología (Art and Geology), which is about the connections between contemporary art and geology.

All of the talks are free, subject to available seating. However, attendees must request an invite at the library, from 22 to 27 March. Invitations can be collected from 10am to 2pm and from 4pm to 8pm, Monday to Friday.

For those who are not able to attend, the talks are streamed live KulturguneaTB.