For his first solo show in Spain Matthew Ronay will be presenting two years’ worth of fantasy environments and objects in Space 3 of La Conservera.

In the rear of the space a domed room of black draped cloth, originally exhibited at ARTPACE (San Antonio, Texas), encloses a world of in-between states; male, female, terrestrial, astral, light, dark, and enchanted. Titled Between the Worlds this cave-like yurt refers to places such as forests or deep sea abysses, which have a history of performing as archetypal coming of age sites. C. G. Jung and Joseph Campbell have written extensively on the use of these places in myths as being necessary to spark shifts in psychology that lead to acquiring self knowledge. On one hand the space of Between The Worlds aspires towards this goal and on the other it mischievously references haunted houses, Jean Cocteau films, and mystical temples. Created entirely from one set of hands, the time spent and energy transferred by working are also very important to consider when experiencing the space. The center of the environment is occupied by male and female pillars; the male pillar will be activated during the opening in an attempt to impregnate the space with a touch of human mystery, sweat, and movement. It is important to remember that opulent spaces sometimes trigger a feeling of ecstasy, this feeling of ecstasy is the feeling of being outside of yourself, the feeling of being outside of yourself is sometimes the first step in massive transformation.

In the front of the space 12 new objects, produced by La Conservera for this exhibition, are presented that act as a kind of cemetery on the grounds of the aforementioned environment. These objects stand in a type of symmetrical order that reflects a feeling both of funerals and weddings. Frills and beads permeate the space in waves of numerals and patterns. These are echoed in abacuses in the shape of vaginas and chandeliers illuminating the harvesting of body parts and effigy-like offerings. The centerpiece of these groupings is a three part frontline of pods and a menorah-like candelabra. The two pods mirroring male and female will be activated by the artist and his muse, together they will act out a kind of creation myth/scatological offering. This myth is articulated by the kneading and expelling of tiny little balls of clay from the pods.

This is work that has a connection to the puritanical notion of working as prayer, something many think unique to America. These are objects that must be considered in the seriousness of their aspirations alongside the playfulness of their partaking in pretend. The possibility to fill in the blanks of both projects with fantasy narratives of fictitious cultures and religions is tempting, and should be indulged, but it also must be understood that the works provide a window into the complete disconnectedness of the present moment in terms of harmony with nature and death. These are projects at once peaceful and meditative and tangled in death, sacrifice, and crassness.

Every Saturday, from 12:00 to 14:00, the exhibition will be activated by the performers.