Rules

RULES, by Mexican artist Paola Ibarra Llano, is a collaborative installation created by visitors over time, based on three simple rules:

1. Add only straight lines
2. Do not cross any other lines
3. Do not create any recognizable characters, shapes, or figures

The project is based on the use of adhesive tapes to create collective art in public spaces. The aim is to explore how new connections are created between people who share a physical space and that might not have otherwise had a pretext to start a conversation.

Paola Ibarra Llano is interested in analyzing how people of different cultures react to the rules according to the conditions of the space.

RULES has so far been shown in China, Australia, and Mexico.

In China, one of the countries with the highest economic growth and rapid social and cultural transformation, people were participatory, energetic, and enthusiastic. There were huge groups of people wanting to participate at the same time, struggling to grab the colored ribbons in order to participate. Most people wanted to participate and then take a selfie at the facility.

In Melbourne, influenced by English culture, order and rules are enforced. When the artist was in the streets, inviting pedestrians to participate, they responded with a sideways glance, and the artist felt like a vendor who were being avoided. People came to participate when they saw more people already doing it, however the groups always remained small and everyone followed the rules.

In Mexico, the canvas was inside the offices of a delivery application. The work was done by the employees and colleagues of this application. The participation was very active, people really enjoyed creating art and doing a different activity in their work environment. There was a lot of laughter during the participation.

Paola Ibarra Llano is a Mexican artist and educator based in Mexico City.

She develops participatory art projects, where she collaborates with communities to reflect on social issues, strengthen personal or group identity, practice teamwork skills and enhance the public spaces where she works.

She considers herself a rule breaker.

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