Leandro Erlich is Bringing Interactive Art to a Whole New Level

Leandro Erlich ’s journey goes beyond the current artsy scene in the world. “I am interested in art as a tool of integration, of action, of linking,” Erlich once said. His work has shaken emotions at the MoMA and Whitney Museum of Art in New York, at the 49th Venice Biennale (2001), Centre d’Art Santa Monica, Barcelona (2003); MACRO Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Roma (2006), the MMCA Seoul, Korea; among others.Who wouldn’t want to defy the laws of gravity alongside this inventive artist? 

A version of this exclusive interview first appeared in the pages of the 12th issue of ODDA Magazine.

Isaac Newton said that “gravity explains the motion of the planets, but it can not explain who or what sets the planets in motion.” Considering that your work seems “to defy the basic laws of physics and befuddle the viewer”, according to the MOMA PS1; what would you say it’s your position in art?

My position in art is to try not categorizing art versus life. I believe art is the way we can express life issues profoundly. We can reach others and share our certainties and doubts.

Why did you start developing a career in art?

Growing up in Argentina you don’t think in developing a career…I jumped into the art field like someone does into a great adventure. A career is how we call it after a few years of adventure.

What’s your personal hope that you want to get across with your art?

My vision is fully expressed in my works. There’s no goal further than the expectation of having people interpreting the work. Interpretation is a creative action.

Fake swimming pool by Leandro Erlich

What’s your idea of integration?

Access to education and willingness of coexistence.

What you see is really what you get?

Of course not, of course yes.

In regards of that. Yes, I looked for you on Instagram. Why you’re not there?

I don’t have Instagram neither Facebook nor other social network.

I really enjoy reading captions on Instagram, especially those from the people with a certain artistic sensitivity. How do you come up with the titles for your pieces?

Titles are often how people address my work. Therefore swimming pool is “swimming pool,” etc.

After 20 years of highly applauded work, do you remember your feelings at the very beginning?

My practice brings me to new challenges over and over again. I care about keeping myself engaged and motivated as the very beginning. There is no professional consecration to achieve, just a day-by-day living practice.

What are you thinking right now?

My mind is split into many areas of interest, an exhibition opening in Spain, a solo show in a Japanese Museum and of course the great state of uncertainty we are facing regarding the global order.