Trans Lives Remembered: Teresa Margolles’ Art in Trafalgar Square

Teresa Margolles is set to unveil her installation on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square, featuring 740 face casts of trans individuals, with 370 sourced from Mexico and another 370 from London. This project, titled Mil Veces un Instante (A Thousand Times in an Instant), aims to honor the trans community by showcasing their faces in a unique manner, emphasizing the organic materials left on the masks. Margolles, who operates a studio adjacent to a morgue in Mexico City, often incorporates elements from her work with deceased individuals into her art, but this installation focuses on the living. The artist's intention is to create a collective representation of the trans community, particularly in light of the violence and discrimination they face. Margolles has a history of addressing themes of violence and loss in her work, stemming from her experiences in Ciudad Juárez, a city known for its high rates of violence against women, especially trans women. The installation is not just a memorial but a celebration of life and resilience within the trans community. Participants in the project were invited to share their stories and create playlists, which will be featured during the installation's unveiling. This interactive element aims to foster dialogue about their lives and experiences, highlighting the importance of visibility for a community that often feels marginalized and unsafe. Margolles' work challenges societal norms and encourages viewers to confront the realities faced by trans individuals. By giving faces to the often invisible members of society, she hopes to promote understanding and empathy, ultimately transforming public perception of the trans community.