Artpace artist’s fiery works ignite viewer interpretations

Ever so often, Artpace building manager Charlie Kitchen heads upstairs and sets a couple of works of art on fire.

It’s nothing personal.

Flames are key elements in “The Witness” and “Body,” two pieces in Carlos Castro Arias’ religion-themed exhibit “I came to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already kindled — Luke 12:49.”

“It brings it all together,” Kitchen said.

The burning works sit across the gallery from one another, each set on fire with propane. “The Witness” is a black figure hunched over a cell phone, watching video of a church burning. Flames erupt from the figure’s head. “Body” is a miniature church on a pedestal, flames shooting from its roof and its windows. Those who get close will feel heat from the fire.

To make sure that the exhibit is safe, large metal vents have been installed over each piece, drawing fumes out of the space. A fire extinguisher is at the ready as well, and when the works are ignited, Kitchen is in the space to make sure that no problems arise.

Castro, one of Artpace’s spring artists-in-residence, has worked with fire a bit in the past, including a small sculpture he made seven years ago that emanated flames. In addition to open flames, other materials he used for works in his Artpace exhibit include soot and burned wood.

“When I talked to the curator (for the Artpace residency) and she invited me to do this, I thought that maybe fire was the right material to convey this idea about religion, spirituality and pain,” he said in an interview in April.

Castro — who divides his time between San Diego, Tijuana and Bogotá — came to Texas for the first time for the residency. He said he was struck by the number of churches that dot the state. He also took note of how often places of worship are the targets of violence.

“This is a state that is very religious, but at the same time, there have been so many attacks on religion,” he said. “That’s the point of departure for my project.”

The exhibit was installed in March after stay-at-home orders

Carlos Castro Arias uses fire for his “I came to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already rekindled — Luke 12:49.”