The works of the Spanish artist David Maroto are a reflection on identity or precisely the absence of identity. They are mostly collages of photographic material that are placed in a narrative structure, either in sequences of images or video installations. The characters are depicted in a pointedly sloppy manner and to a certain extent also seem to be conscious of their artificiality. (...) In Maroto’s work the constructed nature of art is underlined but on its turn this functions as a metaphor for the artificiality of any identity. The characters often have the feeling that they are copies. Even with their most personal thoughts and emotions they feel that they are walking the beaten tracks. Individuality and the pursuit of it are in that way exposed to be a cliché like any other.

Because of their grotesque unnaturalness the characters seem to feel displaced, which in a way makes them human again. Many times they try to find the missing core of their existence. (...) Allusions to psychoanalysis, which in Maroto’s work frequently occur, are so obvious or abstract that the characters come across in an even more artificial way. Rather than to define their identity psychoanalysis is used here to demonstrate the loss of it. Ironically it is precisely the lack of personality which makes Maroto’s characters touching.

Matthias van de Vel (excerpts from Walls & Gateways catalogue)

More on David Maroto: www.davidmaroto.wordpress.com