CuratorSpace Artist Bursary #8: Paloma Tendero

Paloma Tendero is a visual artist exploring genetic mutations and inherited diseases through photography and sculpture. She was born in Spain, where she graduated from BA(Hons) Fine Arts at Complutense University, Madrid. Following that, she graduated from MA Photography at London College of Communication.

"My work explores physical and psychological relationships that spring from inherited DNA. I was born with a genetic disorder passed down through generations, that is the basis of my research. My artwork aims to represent the period of changes the body suffers, working around dualities: between the inside and outside, health and sickness and the transmutation from one to the other.

The work often begins with a photograph of my body, contorted through performance into a sculptural form, and combined with a sculptural representation of the internal genetic flaw. 'On Mutability' is a new series where I focus in genetic mutations and fertility, questioning the impact of genetic inheritance, balancing internal and external factors through Papier-mâché eggs, made of empty egg cartons.

In producing this work, I have experimented with analogue photography, including medium format film photography in colour and black and white, which is a new journey in my practice. Before the lockdown I was learning chemistry process and hand printing the images in the darkroom and I would like to continue developing my practice.

I aim to show the finished work as part of the Sarabande Foundation Residency Summer Group Show. Health and illness are uncomfortable subjects for many people and a contemporary topic that reflects the world we live in today. I hope people can see my artwork and think, explore and deconstruct their own social boundaries and relationship with their own body."

You can see more of Paloma's work on CuratorSpace or on her website.

During the pandemic, CuratorSpace have adapted their artist bursaries to support artists with small grants to maintain their art practice. To find out more, click here.

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