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Ph by Agata Mendziuk

Open Exhibition
Spazio Millepiani, Rome | September 1 – 29, 2022

The exhibition “Open Exhibition” brings together a group of artists that, for the first time, are called to express themselves through the photographic and digital media without any thematic borders. In a certain way, this open structure refers back to the Parisian Salon that occurred already during the 17th century, and it also recalls some of the exhibitions derived from it - such as the “Sommarsalong” regularly organized in some Swedish towns. There, the freedom of contents was accompanied by a selection made by a commission of critics and experts. On this occasion, the pieces on show are chosen and picked by the curator.

So, what are we expected to expect, here at Millepiani?

First, a wide variation of subjects, going from the most subjective to the most documentary ones. But also a visual rendering comprising both figurative and abstract images, as well as colors and black & white. In other words, (technical and formal) opposite poles that are clashing with each other in order to meet again.

Here are some tracks suggesting a few of the possible readings of this exhibition. Technology is one of the leitmotivs, being utilized either instrumentally (as means to get to the result) or as the main subject of the art piece. The use of softwares, 3D animation and advanced programmes is something we commonly see in the contemporary art world - from art galleries to kunsthal, and also here at this exhibition. All these instruments and techniques are responsible for pushing our creativity and the artistic possibilities beyond borders that, until some time ago, were out of reach.

But who is hiding behind technology? Behind that surface there can only be humans. In fact, they are included in the artworks as creatures with their own feelings making them unique and individual. This is also what makes them limitless and genderless, with no precise identities.

Together with technology and humankind, the environment is also popular - considered as places where scenes and episodes are placed, but even as something portrayed either in a more objective or artistic way. Some artists are inserting mirrors to modify the perception of what is going on before our eyes, while others rediscover landscapes as sentimental projections. Or again, some highlight its destruction due to human intervention and to mass tourism. Hovering between these universes, there are endless possibilities given by technological means, capable of projecting pictures of our inner landscape. And it is exactly here that the impossible becomes possible, suddenly coming to life. It is nature and humans interacting to create new fables.

Summing up, leaving the exhibition theme open means letting the artists reflect on the world we live in and on its inhabitants. On us.

Text by Silvia Colombo

Works by Abby Richardson; Megan Sinclair; Polina Soyref; Leon Breiter