For the last few years,the trussardi foundation has exhibitedin historic and or disused buildings in milan. This exhibitioncontinues the tradition by being held in the old warehouse atporta genova station.
The art of paola pivi is often described as surreal and other-wordly and in this, her first major show, it is easy to see why.my religion is kindness. Thank you, see you in the future' is anamalgamation of historical, recent and brand-new works.sculpture, installation and performance art all come
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together under one roof in a display of three of pivi's works: 'interesting',untitled (airplane)' and 'guitar guitar'.
Visitors to the exhibition are greeted by pivi's most recent work 'interesting' (2006). White animals rome through the space creating an initial sense of awe and magic because they contrast so heavily with the busy street scene outside.
Pairs of horses, cows, ducks, dogs and llamas transform the space into a bizarre albino noah's ark. As the sense of wonder dissipates 'interesting' becomes a metaphor for the spectacle of modern art:is it the animals or the confused visitors that are being exhibited?in the same room as the animals of 'interesting' pivi's piece untitled (airplane)' sits. It has not been seen since its first showing at the 1999 venice biennale where it was awarded a golden lion. 'Untitled (airplane)' is an old warplane turned on its back. This gesture challenges both physical and engineering rules. It personifies the plane making it seem as if it has given up its warring ways, turned itself over and decided to live out the rest of its days in peace staring at the sky.
The third work is 'guitar guitar'. started in 2001, this continuous installation changes with each show. Pivi takes thousands of pairs of objects from individuals and companies displaying them as identical twins. What is interesting about the presentation of these objects is that
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they create an uncertain feeling in visitors. The objects surrounding them are familiar but when displayed in diordered pairs the objects become another entity. They can appear sinister as if they have decided to meet and plot a take over of the world or they can challenge the visitor to reassess their similarities and differences. If objects look the same does it really mean they are?