Collective is a video installation that invites viewers into a contemplative realm, where the invisible connections that unite us are brought to the forefront. This work delves into the intricate web of relationships that link each individual to one another and to the very essence of life, urging us to look beyond the visible and invisible boundaries that divide us.

At the heart of Collective lies the celebration of the strength found in unity and collaboration. The installation poignantly illustrates the power we harness when we come together, highlighting the remarkable feats we can achieve as a community. It’s a testament to the human capacity to choose, create, and shape new futures through collective action and shared vision.

Moreover, Collective underscores the inherent strength in kindness. It proposes that acts of compassion and empathy are not merely gestures of goodwill but are formidable forces that can dissolve barriers and forge deep, lasting connections. This narrative thread invites viewers to reflect on their individual and collective potential to make impactful choices, to nurture the bonds that sustain us, and to actively participate in crafting the shared story of our future.

In essence, Collective transcends the boundaries of a conventional video work; it’s an invitation to engage, to feel, and to ponder the profound implications of our togetherness. Through this experience, the viewer is encouraged to appreciate the beauty and power of our united efforts and to recognize the transformative potential of kindness in shaping a more connected and hopeful world.

Collective is commissioned by Röda Sten Konsthall, Gothenburg, Sweden.

(on) the edges
Group exhibition, Röda Sten Konsthall, 2024
Participating artists: Cha Blasco, Max Ockborn, Patrik Bengtsson & DanceRemainings – Sebastian Ruiz B. & Jonny Berg , Curated by Amila Puzić.

Curatorial essay by Amila Puzić.

Reviews:
“Cha Blasco here opens up the question of what we should do with our entangled dependence on international shipping. Imagine my surprise when Blasco, in his video installation ‘Collective’ at the top of Röda Sten Art Center, leaves behind all the critical contradictions from ‘I Dock’ and seems to want to preach a sort of solution to all kinds of existential and political anxiety.” – Aftonbladet”
To the full review (Swedish)

“The entire exhibition is about humanity’s dependence on community versus human destruction, regret, and attempts at rebirth. Feeling that we are all connected in a whirlwind of expressions and emotions becomes a brilliant insight, though at times it also feels grandiloquent. Being asked to “take a deep breath and see the collective” in the work “Collective” feels more like proselytizing mindfulness. – GP”
To the full review (Swedish)

Credits:
Concept, co-artistic direction, text, music and sound design.

Co-artistic direction, cinematography and editing: Donovan von Martens
Dancer: Ingeborg Zackariassen
Narrator: Kelsey Cotton
Text support: Lars Holdhus