Delcy Morelos Crafts Monumental Earth Installation 'Origo' at London's Barbican Centre

Dezeen · 2026-06-03
Delcy Morelos Crafts Monumental Earth Installation 'Origo' at London's Barbican Centre

Colombian artist Delcy Morelos has unveiled 'Origo,' a groundbreaking 24-metre-wide sculpture at the Barbican Centre in London. Constructed by hand from over 30 tonnes of soil, clay, and aromatic spices, the installation creates a sensory landscape that challenges the cold, brutalist architecture of its surroundings. By utilizing manual labor rather than industrial methods, Morelos emphasizes the relationship between human existence and the natural world, while the inclusion of spices serves as a mnemonic device that connects the audience to a deeper, universal sensory experience. This ephemeral work, centered around a profound central void, invites viewers to engage in contemplation and reassess their connection to the earth. As a standout piece of modern, eco-conscious design, 'Origo' marks a significant shift in contemporary art toward tactile, impermanent, and multisensory experiences, positioning Morelos as a leading voice in the movement to reclaim the spiritual and ecological significance of the natural environment in the heart of the global metropolis.