Issue 7, Plus Connect

Turbina Studio

Exploration into life's mysteries and contemplation of time's ceaseless motion

Words PLUS MAGAZINE

Photography TURBINA

At Turbina Studio, the collaborative efforts of Mateo Fumero and Minerva Capdevila foster an atmosphere teeming with ingenuity and artistic fervor. With their young daughter, Rita, as an ever-present companion, they embark on an enlightening exploration, delving into the intricacies of existence. Central to their philosophy is a profound reverence for materials, leading to a unique experimentation process where various techniques are explored to find the ideal expression naturally. Located in Sants, Barcelona, Turbina draws inspiration from its surroundings, including light, colors, culture, landscapes, and relationships, all of which unconsciously influence the development of ideas. Their home-cum-studio serves as the epicenter of their creative world, where inspiration flows freely, prompting exploration into life’s mysteries and contemplation of time’s ceaseless motion.

Despite the works’ seemingly natural appearance, the creation process is painstakingly detailed and crafted by hand, imbuing each piece with individuality and depth. Their research on materials is deliberate, meticulous, and sometimes uncertain, acknowledging the historical values and internal symbolism inherent in each, evoking deep and ancient emotions and memories. This commitment to materials and creative exploration is evident in projects like JUPITER and SATELLITE, where they harness the transformative qualities of stone cast and other materials to construct serene and evocative pieces. In the crucible of their studio, the work is forged with an unyielding passion that sparks the soul.

PLUS MAGAZINE: Let’s start with the roots of Turbina. Can you tell me about the inspiration behind the name “Turbina?”

TURBINA STUDIO: The name “Turbina” embodies the essence of perpetual motion and transformation. It draws its inspiration from the concept of constant flow, rotation, and impulse. Formally, it symbolizes an instrument—a turbine—that converts one form of energy into another. This notion encapsulates the very core of our practice.

P: In what ways have your backgrounds and personal paths influenced Turbina’s innovative practices?

TS: Our backgrounds have been quite diverse, which has greatly influenced our collaborative vision. We’ve had the privilege of training in various disciplines and exploring different artistic avenues before finding our niche in sculpture and object creation. It was a mutual decision driven by a shared fascination with volume and materials. Before Turbina, we immersed ourselves in self-organized artistic projects, where we began to cultivate these interests. Our prior experiences in visual arts, photography, and graphic design serve as a solid foundation for our current work. While our pieces reflect our craftsmanship, the journey to creating them involves a multitude of skills beyond traditional workshop practices.

P: How do you incorporate new materials into your practice, considering the key role played by materials like stone, clay, brass, and terracotta? What principles guide your material selection, and how do you leverage its symbolic significance?

TS: The language of materials stands as the cornerstone of our practice. Each material carries its own symbolic significance, rooted in our collective consciousness. They serve as conduits for ideas and emotions, evoking profound responses in viewers. Our selection process goes beyond mere physical properties; we aim to evoke a range of sensations through contrasts and juxtapositions. Just as color theory guides painters in conveying meaning through hues, materials possess their own narrative. Our approach involves a deep sensitivity to the inherent qualities of each material, often leading to extensive experimentation. It’s through this process that innovations like Stone Cast—an unexpected invented material resulting from our trials—emerge, enriching our artistic vocabulary.

P: Time is a fundamental aspect of your projects, as seen in your exploration of Marguerite Yourcenar’s quote, “Time is a great sculptor.” Could you elaborate on your narratives behind delving into the fluid concept of time?

TS: Time holds an immense fascination for us because of its omnipresence in our lives. It’s a concept we engage with daily, yet its philosophical depth is boundless. Our approach isn’t to offer definitive answers but rather to continuously probe its complexities from various angles. What is time? It’s a question we all grapple with, yet defining it remains elusive, fluid even. We delve into the mechanisms of time measurement, from ancient water clocks to the cyclical rhythms of nature. Additionally, we ponder Eastern philosophies of circular time and the concept of eternal return, even delving into quantum physics’ interpretation of time. These explorations weave together seamlessly, sparking new ideas and perspectives along the way.