Istituto Italiano di cultura
London
39 Belgrave Square
02072351461 FAX 02072354618
WEB
Through the window
dal 3/12/2003 al 5/1/2004
02072351461 FAX 02072354618
WEB
Segnalato da

Nuova Icona



 
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3/12/2003

Through the window

Istituto Italiano di cultura, London

New works by the artists Antonio Riello (Italy) and Peter Liversidge (UK). The exhibition confronts the subject of 'play' and of the apparently innocent fun that is connected to the act of playing. But international mobility and inter-continental migration seem to dictate more serious games of which tourism and war are too often the two - only apparently opposite - reasons. Both war and tourism come from the same source of paternalistic superiority and manichean colonialism. All these kind of 'games' lead invariably to the exploitation of the weaker, or the loser.


comunicato stampa

Peter Liversidge, Antonio Riello

curators: Hugh Mullholland and Vittorio Urbani

The exhibition entitled "Through the Window" curated by Hugh Mullholland (Ormeau Baths Gallery, Belfast) and Vittorio Urbani (Nuova Icona, Venice) - consists of new works by the artists Antonio Riello (Italy) and Peter Liversidge (UK). The exhibition confronts the subject of "play" and of the apparently innocent fun that is connected to the act of playing. But international mobility and inter-continental migration seem to dictate more serious games of which tourism and war are too often the two - only apparently opposite - reasons. Both war and tourism come from the same source of paternalistic superiority and manichean colonialism. All these kind of "games" lead invariably to the exploitation of the weaker, or the loser. The title of the show "Through the Window"' is not a direct reference to either artists' work but is in keeping with the show central theme of play or playfulness. It is taken from the children's television series "Play School" which has gained a sort of cult/kitsch following among grown ups of a certain age. The phrase refers to a segment of the show when the children were invited to look through a number of windows - round, square or arched - to see a educational film/game played out. Whilst the title refers to the notion of play it could also have a broader darker meaning where we witness world events as passive spectators.

Peter Liversidge (born in Lincoln/UK, 1973; lives and works in London). The artist will install in the space of the Institute new works, from the ongoing series of the "Boulders" and the "corporate works". Natural and Artificial are in a costant dialogue and tension in Liversidge's work. The exhibition space will be filled by the fictitious rocks - whose mimetic value fades the more ones approaches them - in an attempt to recreate a natural environment. As contrast, a huge installation of framed "logo paintings" - almost the artist's trademark - will fill the walls. Corporate identity, Nature's identity at its roughest (the rocks) seem to sandwich and to squeeze in a corner the very possibility of an autonomous Human Identity to exhist.

Antonio Riello (born in Italy, 1958; lives in Marostica and Milan). In the artist's own words; "My intention is to create a large installation on the floor of the reception room on the first floor of the Institute. The scale reproduction (but nevertheless of a considerable size: 6 x 5 x 1,5 metres approximately) of an important Italian building, the Flavian Amphitheatre in Rome (better known as the Colosseum). The work will be carried out using only playing cards which originate from gambling houses, casinos and bars where one can play for "winnings". The "vice"’ which transforms itself into historic and architectural value. Furthermore I envisage the possibility of using several of my small (about 90 x 90 x 20 cm) “Tiepolesque" war planes hanging either from the stairs of the Institute or the ceiling of its main hall".

The exhibition has been commissioned by the Italian Cultural Institute of London. In two former occasions one Italian and one UK/based artists have created new work for the Institute, under the care of V.Urbani. The three shows have been conceived as a dialogue between the two invited artists. The exhibition will later travel to Venice, at the Nuova Icona's gallery.

opening: December 4, 2003 at 6.00 p.m.

period: until January 5, 2004; opening hours 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday to Friday

catalogue: with texts by Mario Fortunato, Martin Herbert, Michele Robecchi, Vittorio Urbani

support; Italian Cultural Institute, London.

information: Nuova Icona, tel/fax 0039 041 5210101
Giulia Maione, tel 0044 (0)207 396 4402/fax 207 2354618

Vittorio Urbani
Nuova Icona
Giudecca 454
30133 Venezia
tel.e fax. 041-5210101

location: Italian Cultural Institute, London (director: Mario Fortunato)

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