Delcy Morelos’ “origo” Confronts Concrete With Fragile Earth

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Summary

  • The Barbican unveils Delcy Morelos’s “origo,” a monumental earthwork in the Sculpture Court, on view until July 31, 2026
  • The large-scale ovular pavilion uses soil and spices to challenge the estate’s rigid concrete architecture

The Barbican Centre has revealed a large-scale artwork called “origo” by Colombian artist Delcy Morelos. For the first time in ten years, the Barbican’s Court is being used as intended – as a place where art and the public can connect.

At 24 by 18 meters and over three metres tall, “origo” is Morelos’ largest outdoor artwork yet. The artist created a captivating, multi-sensory space by hand, using a mix of clay, soil, hay, and plant seeds. The structure is made of earth and planted with fragrant spices like cinnamon and cloves, which help protect the soil from fungus and release a powerful scent intended to evoke memories and encourage a sense of responsibility towards nature. The artwork is a direct response to the Barbican’s concrete buildings, contrasting natural materials with the building’s modern, urban design.

Morelos’s art combines the traditional beliefs of the Andes with modern styles like Minimalism and Abstraction. They see the earth not as something to be used, but as a living partner with its own power. Born in 1967 in Tierralta, Colombia – a region harmed by land grabbing and mining disputes – Morelos first expressed themes of the body, land, and conflict through paintings using red clay. Their work has since grown to include large-scale, single-color earth sculptures.

Delcy Morelos’ artwork, “origo,” is currently on display at the Barbican Centre in London until July 31, 2026. Visitors are encouraged to explore the installation by walking through its earthen tunnels, experiencing its changing light, and relaxing in the central space to feel connected to the artwork’s living environment.

Barbican Centre
Silk St, Barbican, London 
EC2Y 8DS, United Kingdom

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2026-05-15 13:26