“You have to trust what a material can do and not force it.”
We met artist Runo Lagomarsino in his studio in Malmö to discuss how to materialize ideas within a conceptual art practice.
Runo Lagomarsino’s artistic process is deeply rooted in the interplay between existing knowledge, materials, and context. He describes the initial idea generation phase as challenging and sometimes chaotic, where it feels impossible to create something new. However, he emphasizes that ideas are never produced in a vacuum; past experiences, readings, discussions, and the environment influence them.
Lagomarsino highlights the importance of trusting the process and the materials. He believes that materials have their inherent properties and histories, which should guide the creation rather than being forced into a preconceived notion. Objects are crucial in his art, as they carry histories, relationships, and political meanings. Research is another vital component of his process. He provides an example of creating a mechanical machine that cuts out red paper tears, inspired by a story about Picasso’s “Guernica.” This machine continuously produces tears, symbolizing ongoing conflict and historical repetition.
Ultimately, Lagomarsino’s work activates historical narratives and allows the audience to engage with the layers of meaning embedded in the materials and objects he uses. He trusts his audience to invest time and thought into interpreting his work, creating a dynamic interaction between the art and its viewers.
Runo Lagomarsino was born in 1977 in Lund, Sweden, to exiled Argentinian parents. His multicultural background significantly influences his work, which often explores themes of migration, colonialism, and identity. Lagomarsino studied at the Academy of Fine Art Valand in Gothenburg, where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts (1999-2001), and later at the Malmö Art Academy, where he completed his Master of Fine Arts (2001-2003). He also participated in the Whitney Independent Study Program in New York (2007-2008). Lagomarsino has exhibited widely, with solo and group exhibitions in prominent venues such as the Moderna Museet in Stockholm, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Venice Biennale.
Runo Lagomarsino was interviewed in his studio in Malmö, Sweden by Signe Boe in May 2024.
Producer and editor: Signe Boe
Cinematographer: Jarl Therkelsen Kaldan
Copyright: Louisiana Channel, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, 2024
Louisiana Channel is supported by Den A.P. Møllerske Støttefond, Ny Carlsbergfondet, C.L. Davids Fond og Samling, and Fritz Hansen.
