We Are, the newest sculptural work by Andrew
Rogers, will be unveiled on Thursday, May 11th
as a collateral exhibition to the 2017 edition
of La Biennale di Venezia - 57th International Art Exhibition. Comprised of eight large
bronze and stainless steel sculptures, this installation is a further iteration of Rogers’ series
titled I Am. Presented in part by the Global Art Affairs Foundation; the work will be on view
through November 26, 2017, at Palazzo Mora in Venice, Italy.
Rogers’ practice explores human emotion through the light, organic forms that define his
sculptural works, as well as the importance of the individual in affecting change.
The artist
sees the works in the series I Am and its derivative We Are as a metaphor for the dichotomy
of human nature. The rough, undulating, organic outer surfaces that represent our physical
selves are in direct contrast to the delicate, polished interiors reflecting the internal personal
world of our thoughts.
Belief in the individual as a catalyst for change informs Rogers’ ongoing practice: “We are all
individuals possessing the sanctity of a singular life and the ability to express ourselves. At the
same time we are part of the society within which we live,” Rogers says. “These figurative
forms are to remind us that it is the individual that makes our world a place of justice and
compassion.”
Rogers work complements the ideas expressed by Christine Macel, 2017 Director of the
Venice Biennale, in her curatorial statement, that, “In a world full of conflicts and jolts, in
which humanism is being seriously jeopardized, art is the most precious part of the human
being. It is the ideal place for reflection, individual expression, freedom, and fundamental
questions…more than ever, the role, the voice and the responsibility of the artist are crucial
in the framework of contemporary debates.”
The work philosophically relates to Roger’s ongoing series of geoglyphs – large-scale land-art
installations for which he is best known. To date the project – titled Rhythms of Life –
encompasses 51 major stone sculptures across the world, which act together to create the
largest contemporary land art project. Each individual geoglyph is an act of collaboration
between Rogers and the local community in which it is situated – as they work together to
find and create a symbol that is significant to each respective region and people – and yet as a
group they form a set of drawings across the earth visible from space.
Over the years this
project has involved over 7,500 people in 16 countries across all seven continents and
continues to grow.
About the Artist
Andrew Rogers is one of Australia’s most distinguished and internationally recognized
contemporary artists. International exhibitions are frequent and his critically acclaimed
sculptures are in numerous private and prominent public collections and around the world.
Rogers has received many significant commissions, including several large-scale pieces and
various forms of land art. Rogers’ work is exhibited widely internationally and is the subject
of books and documentaries shown on Ovation in the United States, the Discovery channel
in Europe and the ABC and National Geographic channels.
The Rhythms of Life land art
project is featured on the Google Cultural Institute’s Art Project website in a digital
exhibition of ultra-high resolution images.
About the Global Art Affairs Foundation
The GAA Foundation is a Dutch non-profit organization that aims to heighten the
awareness about the more philosophical themes in contemporary art, architecture and in
culture in general. In particular, it promotes the theme: "Time – Space – Existence", making
this subject matter more accessible to a wider international audience. In order to achieve this
goal, it organizes exhibitions, symposia, publish extensively and create art projects.
The GAA
Foundation was established in 2002 in New York, USA and starting in 2009, the
Foundation has been based in Leiden, the Netherlands with a branch in Venice, Italy. Since
2002 the GAA Foundation has organized 26 contemporary art exhibitions and 6 symposia in
Japan, the United States of America and various European countries. In addition, it
supports, encourages, and enables the creation of artworks and undertakes joint projects with
a range of international artists.
For more information please visit: www.andrewrogers.org
Nessun commento:
Posta un commento