Mònica Planes’ work explores the relationships between bodies, materials, and architectural space. Understanding that sculpture has the capacity to both affect and be affected by its surroundings, in her work, she combines a moving body with fixed material structures. Often using diverse materials including concrete, hay, fat, or coal, she captures ephemeral gestures that reflect society and our surroundings.

During her time at Gasworks, Mònica will explore how collective performance can generate a sculptural frieze. She will visit Greek and Assyrian friezes at the British Museum to learn how these ancient panels construct visual narratives, inviting viewers to “read” through movement. Until this moment, her sculptural practice has emerged from individual actions, so this project marks a significant shift towards the collective, where bodies shape the material and dialogue defines the movement.

Mònica Planes (b.1992, Barcelona)

Planes lives and works in Barcelona.

Recent exhibitions include

àngels Barcelona;

Fuocherello, Turin;

MACBA, Barcelona (all 2025);

La Casa Encendida, Madrid;

Museo Patio Herreriano, Valladolid (both 2024);

Tenerife Espacio de las Artes;

C3A Córdoba in collaboration with TBA21 (both 2023).

She was formerly a resident at the Spanish Academy in Rome, and her work is included in collections including the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, the National Collection – Generalitat de Catalunya, and MACBA.

Mònica Planes’s residency is supported by Acción Cultural Española