CURATORIAL PROJECT IN VENICE BIENNALE 15 - 22 OCTOBER 2020

Open Space, European Cultural Academy Venice, Giardino della Marinaressa, 2020

Visitors to an exhibition, museum, or art site look at a work of art, which is a mental stimulus. The looking process generates in the mind thoughts, in the heart emotions, and thus the door of imagination opens. We could say that the work is the transmitter and the viewer the recipient. Looking at an artwork at first we get a feeling and then we shape our point of view regarding the work; whether we like it or not whether we understand it or not. Cognitive bias and influences of perception (personality, culture, past experiences, preconceived notions, and present circumstances) affects our point of view regarding a work of art. We could feel happy, sad, determined, thankful, annoyed and many more. Although, if we talk to a stranger, who has different influences, our point of view may change or we can get another perspective and broaden our horizons. After a conversation with the other viewer we may feel thankful, confused, proud, confident, happy, interested etc.

The Re-Consider was an ongoing project during the exhibition that I interacted with the audience and form the artwork accordingly; I had a conversation with the visitors and then encouraged a discussion between them. This process aims to be a driving force for the viewer to consider and discuss with another stranger to re- consider.
In groups of two or three, people talked about; their experience from the exhibition, their views on how they feel by observing an artwork, and what they admire in art, what they think about art, etc. At the same time, I asked questions regarding what colors they like, which symbols they value most, and the viewing experience in general. Then each individual had the choice to write how he or she felt after this interaction. The feelings were written down in small metal plates with the primary colors red, green and blue. Primary colors symbolises that with the main given, you can create a whole palette of different shades. The artwork is a metallic sphere, our earth and it consists of small mirror metal plates "canvases", where the viewers wrote on what they finally felt from the process of discussion with another participant. The small "canvases" were attached to the work with a magnet where the magnet symbolized the power of human unity and collectivity. Furthermore, the mirror effect is used as a reminder of self-acceptance and to create a balance. Listening to others but also yourself.

We experienced a human challenge, due to the pandemic, social distancing and loneliness. Physical expressions of love and happiness are restricted. The touch became a threat, so it will be beneficial to strengthen the words. The Re-Consider project promotes social values of interaction such as respect, listening, appreciation, empathy, acceptance, openness and consideration. We are important, our life is important, and it is at our disposal to make it better.