Antipodo

Antipodo depicts a human figure whose posture, however, is not quite right. By placing the feet backwards, artist Iván Argote refers to historical ideas about people said to live “on the other side of the earth.” Throughout history, these “others” were often portrayed as semi-monstrous beings. Such images reveal how “the other” was frequently regarded with fear and contempt. 

The word “antipode” (anti – opposite, pode – foot) originated in ancient Greece to designate a territory on the opposite side of the world. In the Middle Ages, its meaning shifted and came to be interpreted as “with reversed feet.” Strangely enough, such imaginary figures with backwards feet also appear in pre-Columbian mythology, such as the “Curupira” in Brazil, a guardian of the forest. 

Argote’s bronze figure, genderless and first modeled in clay, steps gracefully forward (or backward?) onto (or off?) its pedestal, with an air of pride and joy. At Schengenplein, people from all walks of life cross paths. They move through the city and through life in different ways, yet all share the same ground beneath their feet. 

Iván Argote (b. 1983, Colombia) lives and works in Paris. He primarily creates sculptures and video works, inspired by historical monuments and public statues that reference forgotten histories, power, and tradition. In his practice, he seeks to make the past visible again and bring it into dialogue with the present. 

Antipodo is the outcome of the fourth edition of Publiek Figuur (Public Figure), for which Kunst in de Stad invites a contemporary artist to create a new artwork for temporary display on a vacant historic pedestal in the Stadspark. With the guiding question “Who or what do we place on a pedestal today?”, the series offers both a perspective on the possible future of public art and a critical reflection on Antwerp’s historical public art collection.