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Cristal De La Cruz

science & technology, sculpture, printing (3D), nature,Experimental, Artistic research

I am deeply fascinated by the organisms in the ocean and their ecosystems and how we can learn and relate to them. Through freediving, I connect with this world—it's where I feel both grounded and weightless at the same time.In these depths, the ocean's presence feels enigmatic. It drives me to shape the intangible into sculptures and installations that reflect a world where beings evolve or gradually disappear.

My approach is guided by intuition and shaped by speculative elements based on untold tales of my Caribbean heritage, weaving together folklore, Caribbean cultural history and mythology. I see traditions, symbols, and rituals as a map that helps me create a dialogue connecting the new possibilities, grounding my ideas in something meaningful.

Studying the morphology of both living and extinct organisms, I shift between the mysteries of the ocean and my heritage. Using 3D software, I transform collected data into forms that explore the relationships between structure, color, and repetition. Working with materials such as minerals, silicone, wood, porcelain, and metal, I begin with their fluid, malleable states and transform them through my process into solid forms that reflect stories I wish to tell. For me, it's about making intangible ideas feel real—something you can touch, hold, or simply feel through their presence.

EFIGIE 2024
EFIGIE 2024 - Effigies are portal artifacts that help connect the human and spiritual worlds through ritual. On this journey, I have studied various effigy artefacts, each taking on different forms that resemble human body and or animals. To inspire the creation of my own. Leaning forward in a position that feels as if it is preparing to honor the gods. The back of the sculpture mirrors the repetitive patterns of a structural shell, while the front features intricate details resembling human bones and eyes.. This Efigie represents something very human. It embodies strength and connection, while also conveying a sense of vulnerability.
YOCAHÚ 2024
YOCAHÚ 2024 - Yocahù that merge from the name of Yocahú-Bagua-Maorocoti, is the Gods of fertility and creation in Taíno mythology. My research explores the indigenous Taíno people of Quesqueya (the Dominican Republic) and the shell construction of the Nautilus, inspired by its spiral formations symbolizing endless growth. The result is a new narrative that creates a creature resembling a stranded fossil. Through lines that move in repetition and resemble spikes, I see the mountains and the ocean and that's where I go back and forth, reconnecting with my motherland, Quesquella, the 'mother of all lands'. I chose to place the sculpture low on this sandy base, almost as if it's emerging from the earth or stranded here, as if it was washed up from the ocean. I wanted it to feel like you'd naturally stumble upon it as you walked in, so you'd be drawn closer, maybe even have to kneel down to really see the details. There's something grounding about having it on the ground-it connects to themes of the earth and the sea that are so important to me. For me, this installation invites you to have a more intimate, tactile experience with the piece, almost like you're discovering something ancient and alive.
ANTHOZOA: FLOWER ANIMAL 2021 - Anthozoa, consists of a series of sculptures that visually represent a narrative that celebrates the perseverance of marine life under challenging circumstances. The project draws attention to the fragility of the ocean ecosystem and the urgent need for conservation. It serves as a direct call to action, conveying a message of hope and resilience. Each sculpture represents the chemical processes that Acropora, a type of coral, undergoes to protect itself from its warming environment. The color palettes used in these sculptures symbolize these processes. This aspect of the project pays homage to the documentary “Chasing Coral,” which highlights the effects of environmental change on coral reefs.
anthozoa - Exhibition: Zero Emissions by 2099 Location: Showroom MAMA, Rotterdam
Lion's Mane - Lions Mane without skin - inspired by Cyanea Capillata.
Lion's Mane - As I delved deeper into the mysteries of nature and technology, I discovered a fascinating fact about the movement of the Cyanea Capillata, a jellyfish known for its ethereal grace and delicate beauty. With every pulsing movement, it navigates the ocean's currents with a fluidity and ease that belies its powerful presence. Inspired by the jellyfish's graceful movements and the powerful emotions that both nature and technology evoke, I set out to create a work of art that would merge the two into one seamless whole.

Anthozoa

Date:
Location: Gustoweg45

Open studio, work presentation for Rotterdam Art week.

Anthozoa

Date:
Location: Van Abbemuseum
In association with: 1M2

Anthozoa

Date:
Location: Mama Galerie
In association with: Chris Kore, Sofia Crespo x Entangled Others, Cristal De La Cruz, Nazanin Karimi en Liminal Vision

The "Zero Emissions by 2099" project is an art exhibition and series of events organized by Mary Ponomareva. The project aims to explore the theme of climate change and how we can adapt to its impact. The exhibition presents works by various artists who are concerned with sustainability, climate adaptation and future urban development

https://thisismama.nl/events/home/zero-emissions-by-2099/

Lions Mane

Date:
Location: Tetem Gallerie
In association with: Gogbot

Synapsisme

Date:
Location: DomChurck
In association with: Setup Utrecht & Cultural Utrecht

In collaboration with Stan Wannet

Lions Mane

Date:
Location: De Pastoe Fabriek

The Metaphor of Waterdrops

Date:
Location: Kyoto, Japan.
In association with: Kyoto Seika University Gallery
This artist has no awards yet.