A union of international contemporary artists tackles environmental issues at Castel Belasi. This thought-provoking exhibition, curated by Stefano Cagol, brings together artists from around the globe to explore the pressing issue of climate change. Located at Castel Belasi, the Contemporary Art Center for Eco Practice and Thought in Campodenno, Trento, Italy, “As Islands” runs from June 1st to October 27th, 2024. Produced in collaboration with MUSE (Science Museum), Trento, where the curator created the platform WE ARE THE FLOOD in 2022. The exhibition promises a unique perspective on environmental challenges, merging artistic vision with scientific anticipation. (For more information, visit www.castelbelasi.it)
By merging the imaginative power of art with the predictive nature of science, this project envisions potential paths to an alternative desirable future. Using the Dolomites as a metaphor, we journey from a distant past when the mountains were tropical islands to a perilous future marked by rising seas, melting glaciers, and ecological imbalance. This exploration confronts the rapid pace of environmental change and humanity’s disconnection from nature due to the growing detachment fostered by our digital world.
“As Islands” features a diverse range of works by both established and emerging artists, exploring themes of environmental crisis and humanity’s relationship with nature through installations, videos, paintings, and sculptures. The exhibition showcases an array of international artists, including established names like Wim Delvoye and Mary Mattingly, alongside emerging talents. Esther Stocker‘s sculptural installations challenge our perception of control, while Janet Bellotto’s work explores the relationship with water. Heba Dwaik offers a surprising perspective on nature within an urban environment, and PSJM provides a hopeful outlook through their data-driven art. The inclusion of younger artists like Michela Longone and Silvia Negrini adds a contemporary voice to the conversation, addressing the urgency of climate change through their unique mediums.
The main exhibition is complemented by the Project Room, “Theories of Clime,” which showcases the work of emerging curators and artists. Stay tuned for an in-depth look at this exciting component of the exhibition in my next article.
Read about the history of Castel Belasi Castel Belasi (A short introduction) – artgate-ink
