The acclaimed Venezuelan electronic musician Arca, born Alejandra Ghersi, is transitioning into the visual arts with her first institutional exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in London. Titled "Angels," the body of work consists of visceral, heavily textured paintings created using a chaotic mix of oils, acrylics, melted plastic, and latex. Ghersi turned to the physical medium as a therapeutic response to professional burnout, using the permanent nature of painting to process personal trauma and reconnect with the raw creative enthusiasm she felt before her music career became a global profession.
This shift marks a significant moment for one of contemporary music's most influential avant-garde figures, known for her collaborations with Björk and Beyoncé. By moving from the digital and sonic realms into the "abject" and "mutant" imagery of her canvases, Ghersi challenges the boundaries between performance, sound, and fine art. The exhibition highlights a growing trend of multidisciplinary artists seeking refuge from the digital industry's pressures through tactile, non-linear physical expression.