Looking forward to our group exhibition 'I Want to Believe', curated by LoosenArt in Roma. @Millepiani, via N. Odero,13 Roma. From 11th-19Th. July.
I will be showing my video work "Billboards For Instant Realise" part of the series METANOIA.
I Want to Believe │ June 30 - July 27, 2023
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Author / Curator Silvia Colombo, Antonio Muratore
Concept of the exhibition;
Art and iconography were the first channels of communication that aided the spreading of collective imaginaries capable of inspiring the beliefs of several different peoples of diverse cultures and religions. The call "I Want to Believe" intends to collect images representing a conscious trust in a narration, story, thought or idea in which we see a way to hope and/or an alternative to the present reality.
The topic of ‘belief’, at the centre of the exhibition, brings into play artistic as well as thematic dynamics that are both delicate and complex. Firstly, talking about ‘belief’ in a narrow sense seems quite reductive, since the exhibition deals with much more than just spirituality and religion. To fully understand the exhibition path ongoing within these rooms, one needs to broaden its horizons, to think beyond the semantic limits imposed by this word.
According to what the artists on show suggest, “I Want to Believe” becomes a sort of mantra moving towards different directions at the same time. I want to believe. Sure, but in what?
I want to believe that a different world is possible - imply some, while they share with visitors harmonious and idyllic pictures, capable of dragging their thoughts towards a remote beyond. Thanks to this emotional transport, spirituality slows the pace and lets desire and hope take the lead. Hope for a different, maybe better, future, or for a different dimension that makes another world possible.
I want to believe in certain ideals. At this point, the eye - and the interest - of the artists gradually moves on to other topics, focusing on certain aspects of society and highlighting some community patterns. From the faces, bodies and expressions of the people portrayed, we understand habits, and common interests; we see the existence of local community tradition, deeply rooted in a specific territory. Even if, in some cases, segregation and exclusion are a part of those contexts, collectivity and the feeling of a common belonging prevails. These pictures thus become a symbol for solidarity and shared intentions.
I want to believe in an afterlife. It’s here that religion, meditation and praying - or, more generally, some topics related to spirituality - get in the game. With this series of artworks, that shows a more intimate and private atmosphere, one passes from a collective “we” to an individual “I”.
Overall, the exhibition could be read as an itinerary starting from one point and going towards its opposite. “I Want to Believe” is a group exhibition about humanity and its thoughts that crowd the mind day after day. The nuances we give to our beliefs are personal and yet prone to change, as the one we experience every day of our life.
Do we believe in ourselves? Are we able to believe in a different future? Do we believe in a life after death? Do we believe in a superior dimension?
Finding an answer to all of these questions is hard, if not impossible. But thanks to the artworks here exhibited, we have the possibility to take part in a journey from the earth to the sky, from natural to supernatural, from concrete to abstract. Between temporal and spiritual.
Participating artists:
Aran Ra'Dparsa, Benjamin Scharf, Chilingo, Dimitris Karapiperis, Evgeniya Strygina, Fe Knight, Gary Hill, J. Jason Lazarus, Julien Rubiloni, Justin Aungst, Lisa Diederik, Michael Secorata, Michelle Martins Carvalho, Nina Sumarac, Page Hall, Paula Punkstina, Pere Ibañez, Renée Freville, Song Lu, Thomas Pickarski, Weyni Kahsay, Yen Yap, Yeosulme & Jaehwa.