Real Madrid

Art

Jury report

Real Madrid’s multipart installation begins with something that only insiders knew about in the 1980s; back then, people with AIDS often had a form of anal tumour which became the symbol of this deadly, highly stigmatised disease. With apparent ease, the installation takes on the perspective of the people who wrested dignity from life with these “figs” on their bodies. Meticulously chosen quotes and objects alluding to the pop culture of the late 20th century populate the space, the scent of rotting figs, also on show, prompting a shift in their meaning. The installation thus develops a non-hegemonic view of history which oscillates between humour and tragedy in strikingly poetic ways.