The Urban Memories series by Juan Garaizabal functions by reinserting the outlines of long-lost architectural structures into the vacant spaces they once occupied. These large-scale public installations use a combination of sculpture and illumination to trigger historical recall, transforming empty urban voids into silhouettes of memory that invite public interaction with architectural history.
Artistic Development
Born in 1971 in Madrid, Garaizabal began his career as a conceptual artist. Over time, he developed a diverse skill set through experimentation in materials and construction methods. His practice encompasses masonry, carpentry, forging, electricity, and plastics, allowing him to execute complex works manually. While his early output focused on painting and conceptual themes, he later integrated new media, light, and acoustics into his creative process.
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The artist utilizes his Urban Memories projects to revive forgotten structures. Notable works include the 2012 installation in Berlin and the 2013 Memoria del Giardino in Venice. His public commissions have appeared internationally, ranging from the 2006 Bosque de Flores in Valencia to the 2023 Ever Time Balcony in Shanghai. Recent additions to his portfolio include the 2024 La Memoria del Vidrio in Spain and the 2025 Les Bains Napoléon in Biarritz.
Global Practice and Logistics
Garaizabal manages a decentralized working model with primary studios located in Berlin, Madrid, and Shanghai. This structure facilitates his international presence, supporting projects ranging from the 2021 Biennale de Sculpture in Saint-Paul-de-Vence to the 2024 installations in Manama, Bahrain. Between 1998 and 2007, his life included frequent travel across the African continent, traversing the route from Madrid to Cape Town via a Mercedes-Benz Unimog.
Fast facts
- Born: 1971, Madrid
- Citizenship: Spain
- Occupations: Painter, sculptor, conceptual artist
- Primary studio location: Berlin, Germany
- Languages spoken: Spanish, English, German, French, Chinese
- Notable work: Memoria Urbana Berlin
- Notable work: Ghost of the Colonial Hotel
Questions readers ask
What is the focus of the Urban Memories project?
It involves creating sculptural, illuminated structures that mark the sites of lost architectural elements.
In which cities does Garaizabal maintain main studios?
He maintains primary studios in Berlin, Madrid, and Shanghai.
Achievements
- Notable work: Memoria Urbana Berlin
- Notable work: Ghost of the Colonial Hotel
- Movement: new media art and interactive art
