Eléctrica is a series of exhibitions designed to produce interdisciplinary collaborations among artists and other professionals based in New York. This project is an ongoing platform for art practice that will evolve in diverse areas of the city. Like an electrical spark, provoked by the flow between two opposite charges, this project is a conduit for visual artists, writers and other professionals to work together.

The first show, Eléctrica IC-11, spotlights contemporary artwork produced through collaboration with artists and other cultural producers. Eléctrica IC-11 opens its doors this February 24 at 7pm in Spain´s Cultural Center Instituto Cervantes in New York.

The nomenclature IC-11 is an allusion to an electronic prototype. Like a machine, IC-11 connects collaborative works created specifically for the Instituto Cervantes in New York with selected pieces by Itziar Barrio, Alina and Jeff Bliumis, Ryan V. Brennan, DETEXT, Mar Gómez Glez , Alvaro Ramos, Edgar Serrano and Chavisa Woods.

Here, art works explore the function of the Instituto Cervantes—a hub for Spanish culture, within the larger context of NYC and contemporary society. Participants grapple with notions such as language + translation, visual vs. written work, and a critical contemplation of the theme: “working together.” Rather than resist conflict, participants embrace the challenges and joys inherent in cross-cultural production.

As the works themselves grow out of dialogue between diverse types of creators, naturally, the public will also be encouraged to interact with the art and be aware of how their understanding and emotions are affected by the exhibition’s location within the Institute.

This exhibition also launches the Cervantes Institute’s Open Yard project. Open Yard will activate the Instituto’s landmark Amster Yard through innovative art exhibitions showcasing New York-based emerging artists. Eléctrica is part of a larger initiative: Creating Convergence: Spain and the U.S platform, a project devoted to the visibility and promotion of Spain´s contemporary art and culture within the US.