founded 2006 in Spain
www.democracia.com.es
Democracia is an artist group founded in Madrid, Spain by Pablo Espana and Ivan Lopez. Their decision to work in collaboration sprang from the intention of engaging in an artistic practice centred on discussion and an interest in the clash of ideas and forms of action. Working as a group immediately establishes an intervention in the social sphere, by means of the acceptance of a commitment to a shared process. In its practice Democracia poses the question, ‘What is Western democracy and how is it being forced upon the rest of the world?’ The group’s projects reflect a concern with the progressive setting of scenes of social life; visible, in the increasing importance of the image, and also in the gradual incorporation of the simulacrum in the different realms of daily life, such as politics, technology, and culture.
Democracia is the directing force of the magazine 'Nolens Volens.'Recently the group have also started to curate projects and their next will take place in Madrid Abierto, 2008. Democracia has exhibited in the Kumho Museum, Seoul, 2007; 10th Istanbul Biennial, 2007; Goteborg Biennial, 2007; Salvador Díaz Gallery, Madrid, 2008 and Arco 08, Spain, 2008.