The production of knowledge through scientific data, fictional narratives and interdisciplinary practices is at the core of PAUL ROSERO CONTRERAS (Ecuador, 1982) practice, addressing topics related to geopolitics, environmental issues and the relationship between humans and their living environment. He holds a master’s degree in art and technology from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) and a master’s degree in cognitive science and interactive media from Universitat Pompeu Fabra, in Spain. His work was exhibited at the 57th Venice Biennale, Musée du Quai Branly, in Paris, 5th Moscow International Biennial for Young Art, Zaragoza History Museum, Spain, 11th Cuenca Biennial, Ecuador and 1st Antarctic Biennial, among other venues.
As an element that appeals strongly to the imagination, an island may be the incarnation of anti-nationalist dreams, primitive inspirations or the desire for isolation. Following their discovery in 1535, the Galapagos Islands remained largely uninhabited until 1832, when they were annexed to Ecuador. Contreras’s project investigates the first settlements in the archipelago as a paradigmatic social experiment. “Dark Paradise”brings together historical archeology and mythological narrative to develop a metaphor about underwater species and their seemingly paradisiacal appearance.
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