Olabarrieta’s rejection of literal narratives—possibly an automatic reaction to her education in philosophy—has led to making up her own semiotics and using automated movements as meaning generators. Motion is a decisive aspect in her practice—the motion involved in writing, in the passage of time, or in the observation of an artwork, which emphasizes the works’ inherent feeling of progression.

Beatriz Olabarrieta studied Philosophy in the University of Deusto and Sculpture in the Wimbledon School of Art (London) and the Royal College of Art (London). Her solo exhibitions include: Lagom (de lugar), Okela, Bilbao, 2022; Medium, Centro Centro Madrid, 2020; Faces, Espai 13, Joan Miró Foundation, Barcelona, 2020; Stay Twice, Bielefeld Kunstverein, Bielefeld, 2019; Ask the Dust, Museum of Contemporary Art of Sta Barbara California, 2019; The only way out is in, The Sunday Painter, London, 2017; Book! Don’t tell me what to do, Parallel Oaxaca, Mexico DF, 2017; Cosmic Clap, MOT International, London, 2015.