Curated by Ziba Ardalan, Founder, Artistic and Executive Director of London's Parasol unit, THE SPARK IS YOU: Venice's Parasol unit has at its heart the need to develop mutual respect and understanding between different nations and cultures. Conveniently, this exhibition coincided with the 200th anniversary of the West-estesther Divan (West-Eastern Divan), 1819, a book of lyric poetry written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe as a tribute to the XNUMXth-century Persian poet Hafez.
The nine artists, whose vision looks beyond the ordinary, have been selected for the affinity with openness, respect and human interconnectedness that is demonstrated in their work. Derived directly from a long and magnificent tradition of Persian poetry, this philosophy of life is a fundamental element of the Iranian/Persian character. THE dialogues open up across the exhibition, not just between different generations of artists and geographic regions from which they now draw inspiration, but also through a common desire to interact openly and respectfully with others. And, just as Goethe, through his poetry, tried to bridge East and West, these artists also try to communicate with each other across all borders.
THE SPARK YOU ARE: The parasol unit in Venice exhibition of paintings, sculptures, installations, multimedia and films brings together Iranian artists of different ages, now living and working in or outside Iran. Having had a similar early upbringing and rooted in classical Persian poetry, they have all benefited from thought processes that are rooted in concepts such as the use of metaphor, openness, dialogue and figurative thinking. Together, their works create a sense of exchange that is felt in many ways throughout and beyond the exhibition, not only between the artworks but also in the artists' desire to communicate with thinkers from other cultures, and ultimately between art and music.
Venice, with its renowned history of being at the center of so many connections between East and West, was the ideal setting for the Spark is You exhibition. Presented at the Venice Conservatory of Music, visual art and music interact harmoniously, reminding us that different art forms are all part of a single discourse. Each artist presents their work in a separate room or outdoor courtyard, which allows viewers ample mental space to reflect on the exhibition and create their own dialogue with and between the works.
THE SPARK YOU ARE: Exhibition in Venice highlights the vital importance of open dialogue in developing greater understanding among all nations. Especially in today's tumultuous and uncertain times, this exhibition we hope could have been an opportunity to generate further curiosity, understanding and appreciation of other cultures and stimulate more conversations.
The exhibition which concluded on November 23 now reminds us even more of the beauty of Venice and the importance of preserving its eternal life of art and poetry.
