Celebrating Diversity: Teresa Margolles’ "Mil Veces un Instante" Unveiled in Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square, a historic and iconic landmark in London, has once again become a focal point for contemporary art and social commentary with the unveiling of the latest installation on its fourth plinth. The artwork, titled "Mil Veces un Instante" (A Thousand Times in an Instant), created by Mexican artist Teresa Margolles, is a powerful tribute to the transgender and non-binary community, designed to foster unity and raise awareness about the ongoing struggles faced by these individuals worldwide.
A Towering Tribute to Trans Lives
"Mil Veces un Instante" is a striking cuboid structure composed of over 300 individual masks, each representing a unique face within the transgender and non-binary community. The masks are not mere representations; they bear the traces of the individuals they depict, featuring lipstick smears and false eyelashes that add a personal touch to the artwork. This intricate design serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost to violence and discrimination, as well as a celebration of those who continue to fight for their right to exist authentically.
Margolles’ work was initially conceived as a tribute to Karla La Borrada, a 67-year-old trans singer and former sex worker who was tragically murdered in Ciudad Juárez nine years ago. By honoring La Borrada and others like her, the artist aims to shed light on the violence that disproportionately affects transgender individuals, particularly in regions where societal acceptance is lacking.
A Call for Solidarity and Awareness
In her statement regarding the artwork, Margolles emphasized the importance of remembering those who have been lost to hate crimes while also celebrating the resilience of those who continue to live and advocate for their rights. "We pay this tribute to her [Borrada] and all the other people who were killed for reasons of hate," she stated. "But, above all, to those who live on, to the new generations who will defend the power to freely choose to live with dignity."
The installation comes at a critical time, as recent statistics reveal a troubling rise in hate crimes against transgender individuals in the UK. Official figures for the year ending March 2023 recorded 4,732 hate crimes against transgender people, marking an 11 percent increase from the previous year. This alarming trend underscores the urgency of Margolles’ message and the need for greater awareness and advocacy for the rights of marginalized communities.
A Nuanced Addition to London’s Art Scene
Ekow Eshun, chair of the fourth plinth commissioning group, praised "Mil Veces un Instante" as one of the most nuanced and timely artworks to occupy the space since the project began in 1999. He expressed hope that the piece would help unite the trans community globally, fostering a sense of solidarity and understanding among diverse populations.
Justine Simons, the Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of representation in public art. She noted that the UK’s public statues have historically failed to reflect the diversity of the nation and its capital. "Today we are changing that story," Simons remarked, emphasizing that this collective portrait of the trans community is both a celebration and an act of solidarity with those who do not enjoy the same freedoms as others in the UK.
The Fourth Plinth: A Platform for Change
The fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square has become a platform for contemporary artists to engage with pressing social issues. Margolles won the commission for this installation in 2021, following a previous sculpture by Samson Kambalu that commented on the legacy of colonialism in Africa. However, the tradition of the fourth plinth has faced scrutiny, with some politicians advocating for a statue of Queen Elizabeth II to occupy the space instead.
Despite the divided opinions surrounding the commissioning process, Margolles’ work stands as a testament to the power of art to provoke thought and inspire change. The ongoing debate about representation in public art highlights the need for diverse voices and narratives to be included in the cultural landscape.
A Reflection on Identity and Representation
The unveiling of "Mil Veces un Instante" coincides with a broader conversation about gender identity and representation in society. Recent investigations into census data revealed potential misunderstandings regarding questions about gender identity, leading to voided estimates of the transgender population in England and Wales. This situation underscores the complexities surrounding identity and the importance of clear communication in understanding the diverse experiences of individuals.
As society grapples with these issues, Margolles’ artwork serves as a powerful reminder of the need for empathy, understanding, and advocacy for marginalized communities. By celebrating the lives of transgender and non-binary individuals, "Mil Veces un Instante" invites viewers to reflect on their own perceptions of identity and the importance of standing in solidarity with those who face discrimination and violence.
Conclusion
Teresa Margolles’ "Mil Veces un Instante" is more than just an artwork; it is a call to action, a tribute to lives lost, and a celebration of resilience. As it stands proudly in Trafalgar Square, it challenges us to confront the realities of hate and discrimination while inspiring hope for a more inclusive and compassionate future. In a world where the fight for equality continues, this installation serves as a beacon of solidarity for the transgender and non-binary community, reminding us all of the power of art to effect change and foster understanding.