Rodolfo Díaz Cervantes: Knock on Wood

The work presented by Rodolfo Díaz Cervantes in this exhibition at Casa del lago is centered on an exercise in formal experimentation and reflection on the so-called “apotropaic effect”. That is, the power that man gives to certain objects (natural or artificial) substances, statements or gestures to protect ourselves, to drive away the negative, evil.

Present in all cultures since ancient times until today, these apotropaic effects (Greek apotrepein: away) are so inherent to the life experience that their origins have been identified as an impulse, instinct linked to the evolution and natural selection. The exhibition consists of objects, assemblages, photographs and drawings that play, describe and propose strategies around this human instinct and desempañan role in our daily lives.