Shortcuts #5
Takeover by the artist Cristian Quinteros Soto
We'd like to welcome you to our new column, 'Shortcuts,' which will be published at the end of each month. We'll hand over our Instagram account to artists, galleries, and artist-led organizations. The week will begin with a 6-question interview on our Substack platform, followed by six days of daily Instagram postings by the artists/galleries, in which the artists will freely publish one of their works in addition to their own thoughts. We at Tarantula: Authors And Art, along with you, our readers, get to sit back and enjoy the daily surprise of discovering each new work of art. Please take a moment to click here to subscribe to our Instagram if you haven't already. Now, without further ado, please welcome Stockholm-based artist Cristian Quinteros Soto.
Cristian Quinteros Soto is an artist and body activist who explores the notion of collective nudity and advocates for the normalization of non-normative bodies beyond social expectations, body complexes, prejudices and sexualization. His artistic practice consists of artistic interventions, collective bathing and sauna sessions fostering critical reflections but also introspection, togetherness and care. Cristian graduated from the Royal Academy of Art in Stockholm, Sweden and has exhibited his work at Konstakademin, the 10th Berlin Biennale and Botkyrka Konsthall, to mention a few.
What conversations do you hope your work will spark?
I aim to spark meaningful conversations about the significant influence of shared experiences. Through exploring communal practices, I encourage discussions surrounding inclusive and caring communities and transforming communal spaces in natural environments. By delving into the societal, cultural, and environmental aspects of everyday actions such as communal bathing and cooking, I strive to foster a dialogue that inspires critical reflection. My ultimate goal is to prompt consideration of these activities' profound and transformative power in creating more equitable and compassionate communities.
Could you describe your creative process? Tell us about one of your projects.
My creative process originates from a quest for joy and fulfilment, rooted in introspection, where I reflect on what brings meaning to the present moment. A pivotal realisation occurred during my visits to the sauna, where I sought solace and mental clarity. In this space of introspection, I recognised the sauna's potential as a profound artistic medium to normalise non-normative bodies.
My project "Swimming Season" embodies this realisation, combining various artistic interventions centred around year-round nude communal swimming in Sweden. These swims have been documented through video, audio, photos, text, or sometimes not at all.
There are three ways to engage with this project:
• Participation in the swim
• Viewing documentation of previous baths
• Experiencing the collective swim concept
Our collective bathing experiences undergo notable changes throughout the year.
In colder months, sessions involve a collective breathing exercise facilitated by freezing water. Participants form a line, wading into the water until it reaches above their knees. We then sit, focusing on calming our breath collectively in response to the initial shock of the cold water.
This exercise fosters a sense of unity and support within the group, accelerating bonding and achieving profound results efficiently.
During warmer months, our bathing experiences are more playful and social. Participants engage in lively activities and conversations, enjoying the water's warmth without structured breathing exercises. The atmosphere is relaxed and carefree, emphasising enjoyment and camaraderie. However, it creates another necessity to be a safe space since the swim takes longer.
All are welcome at my baths, regardless of background. I aim to create an environment where everyone feels represented and valued, transcending societal prejudices and structures. By focusing on the poetic and utopian elements of socialising without regard to gender, age, body size, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, or power structures, I seek to foster inclusivity and connection.
What does your studio or workspace (physical or mental) look like?
I have my studio in a small room in my home, intentionally chosen to be close to my daughter. This proximity allows me to seamlessly transition between work and family life, fostering a sense of balance and connection essential to my creative process. I appreciate the flexibility of jumping in and out of my work as needed, whether to take a brief walk, prepare a meal for later, or tend to household tasks.
I thrive in an environment where my work and regular life coexist harmoniously. The fluidity between my personal and professional spheres enables me to draw inspiration from everyday experiences and interactions, enriching my creative practice with a potential for spontaneity.
Is your art influenced by where you were born or live now?
I am driven by exploring new imagery through bodies that defy conventional norms. Inspired by the works of traditional Swedish painters like Anders Zorn and Eugène Jansson, I integrate aspects of their style into my art while adding a contemporary twist. Nature and nature reserves serve as constant wellsprings of inspiration, offering dynamic meeting spaces regardless of the season. I aim to infuse traditional images with inclusivity, community, and the celebration of diverse bodies, which form the cornerstone of my artistic vision.
Who are some of your most important female (womxn) sources of inspiration and influence?
The most significant sources of inspiration and influence are individuals who identify as female, non-binary, trans, and beyond, whose contributions to art and activism have shaped my artistic practice. These individuals have not only initiated political movements but have also sustained and enriched them over time. Moreover, they have played a crucial role in identifying societal issues and developing a language to articulate injustices, catalysing meaningful social change.
What personally or professionally excites, worries, or keeps you connected?
Amidst the current political climate in Sweden, I find myself grappling with a mix of worries and hopes. The uncertainties and challenges accompanying these times can be daunting, particularly concerning inclusivity, social justice, and individual rights. However, history has shown that periods of crisis often spark remarkable acts of resilience, resistance, and creativity. During these times of adversity, new ideas, movements, and forms of expression emerge, fueled by the collective desire for positive change. Despite the concerns, I remain hopeful for what the future holds. Through perseverance, solidarity, and a commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding, we can navigate these challenges and emerge more robust and resilient as a society.
Cristian Quinteros Soto
For further information about Cristian Quinteros Soto, please visit his website and Insta pages, but first, spend the next week with Cristian by following his takeover of our Instagram page!