May 17th - June 15th 2013
Techincal Info
Curator: Clelia Belgrado
Opening: May 16th, from 6 pm to 9 pm
Duration: May 17th - June 15th 2013
Location: VISIONQUEST gallery, Piazza Invrea 4 r, 16123 Genova, Italy
+39 010 2468771 - +39 339 7534993
Gallery Hrs.: from Wednesday to Saturday 3.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. and by appointment
Web Site: www.visionquest.it
E-mai: info@visionquest.it
Press Release
Irony, playfullness, provocation but also irreverence and cynicism in the photographs in this two solo exhibition by Connie Bellantonio and Mirta Kokalj: an exhibition that brings together "beautiful to die for" characters and superwomen who become "Saints" ...
The strictly black and white photographs by Connie Bellantonio come from a reflection on todays values of appearing rather than being. The various alluring advertising images used, depicting young perfect, smooth, sensual bodies full of energy, are expertly de-contextualized by the fact that the photographer places and superimposes them on the photographs normally found on tombstones. Fun but also rugged, these images take us from the imperishable parable of I appear-therefore-I am or being looked at as the only form of existence, to the total reversal of this message: after so much hard work, after the so long cultivated obsessions to be "beautiful" what is left as testimony? A photograph on a cold and gray tombstone...
On the other hand in a triumph of color, the almost surreal reflections on contemporary woman, her roles, conflicts, fears and uncertainties by Mirta Kokalj. Interpretations of women conveying energy, nourishing and feeding (Santa Flora), women who seek harmony and balance (Santa Libra), women-men, strong, self-confident - or at least they appear to be – (Santa Andrea), women - mothers who are more and more self-sufficient (Santa Consciousness). All Superwomen, therefore elevated by the phoographer to the rank of Saints! The interpretation that these pictures can be seen as a statement against the objectification of sacred images can have its reason, but definitely not in the vision nor the creative impulse that generated them. They are brilliant, stunning, sparkling and provocative, at most one can say they are a modern representation of certain religious figures but, as Kokalj says "my work always speak of my inner state, the way I perceive the world, reality. My imagination is just the product of my life that I try to make accessible through a certain symbolism, which perhaps may appear surreal. With photography I try to make my own reality visible. Once it is finished it is no longer my business, it is in the hands of the observer". Well then? women? Beautiful Saints who love nature, nourish and give care, but know how to be as strong as men.
Biographies
Connie Bellantonio was born in Gemona del Friuli (Udine), she lives and works in Genoa. Her research moves along he borders of addition, subtraction and the absurd. She is capable of introducing unusual elements in the image. She has had numerous solo exhibitions including in 2005 "Vite Sospese”, Palazzo Tursi, Gall. Rotta Farinelli, Genoa, "Fattoide" 2001, Gall. Joyce & Co., Genoa and various collectives: "Sounds and Visions", 2005, Gall. Rotta Farinelli, "Bad Girls" 2011 Gall. VisionQuesT and UnimediaModern, Genoa.
www.conniebellantonio.blogspot.com
Mirta Kokalj was born in San Pietro di Gorizia (Slovenia) in 1983. After studying at the University of Ljubljana, she moved to Milan where she attended the professional school of photography at the Italian Institute of Photography. Her research focuses on the portrait where, attracted by the colors and staging, she uses photography as a means to reflect on and explore her world: being a woman.
She currently resides and works in Milan. She has had numerous solo and group exhibitions and among the most recent in 2011, "Cherchez la Femme", Costantini Art Gallery, Milan, ”Feminine Plural", Villa Pomini, Castellanza (VA) - critical text by Roberto Mutti, "Mascherarsi, Nascondersi, Svelarsi”, Takeawaygallery, Rome
www.mirtakokalj.com