In our modern world, you might think that the concept of totems and symbols no longer exists, as animal figures are no longer used to express an inner quality. But is this really the case? Or is today's society simply better at hiding this than our ancestors? In this exhibition curated by Osama Zatar, four artists will present their works that use this symbolism both explicitly and unconsciously to channel emotions and represent them visually.
Totems and symbols have been part of artistic creation since the beginning of history. Very early on, symbols of objects and animals were used to channel inner qualities such as strength and protection.
In our modern world, one might think that this concept no longer exists, as animal figures are no longer used to express an inner quality.
But is this really the case? Or is today’s society simply better at hiding this than our ancestors?
Curator Osama Zatar often observes a more obvious use of symbolism linked to their origins, especially among artists with a migration history. When the language of thought is linked to symbols, taking them up often helps to express oneself more freely.
However, it is not only artists who use symbols in their work. The majority of people also use emojis and smileys in digital communication, which are ultimately images that express an emotion or state of mind. Regardless of how much we have evolved, some social communication methods have remained the same.
The relevance of symbols and their meaning for our communication and self-expression has not changed for thousands of years, it has only become more differentiated.
In this exhibition, the four artists Alexander Nefedyev Skuridin, Lera Weinrub, Lorenz Friedrich and Ramona Kandinger will present their works, which use this symbolism both explicitly and unconsciously to channel emotions and represent them visually.
Vernissage: 06 December 2023, from 07:00 pm
Exhibition: 07-10 December 2023, 10 am – 5:00 pm
Location: masc Foundation, Grundsteingasse 40, 1160 Wien
Artists: Alexander Nefedyev Skuridin, Lera Weinrub, Lorenz Friedrich und Ramona Kandinger
Curator: Osama Zatar
Welcome: Anna Gaberscik and Marlene Kalnein / EDUCULT
Free admission!
The Salon of Cultures is an interdisciplinary event and exhibition series which since 2010 has regularly provided an artistic presentation and interaction space for artists, a diverse audience interested in art and culture, actors from culture, education and science, with free admission in the Q21 of the MuseumsQuartier Vienna and at decentralised venues in Vienna in cooperation with cultural cultural institutions and artists. EDUCULT is the initiator and organiser of the Salon der Kulturen.
Funded by the Department of Culture of the City of Vienna (MA7), Department of District Culture and Interculturality and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Civil Service and Sport.
Vernissage: 06 December 2023, from 07:00 pm
Exhibition: 07-10 December 2023, 10 am - 5:00 pm
Location: masc Foundation, Grundsteingasse 40, 1160 Wien
Contact: marlene.kalnein(at)educult.at
Funding: Kulturabteilung der Stadt Wien (MA7), Stadtteilkultur und Interkulturalität, BMKÖS - Sektion IV Kunst und Kultur
Free admission!
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