Can art reawaken humanity’s consciousness? This is the provocative question headlined in the SOSHumanity multi-venue exhibition on Lake Orta. Conceived and created by the Fondazione Cavaliere del Lavoro Alberto Giacomini, this travelling, immersive show is an artistic experience that aims to raise the collective consciousness at this difficult juncture in history, with all the social and environmental emergencies it threatens for humanity.
“Humans are solely responsible for all social and environmental emergencies that are threatening our present and our future. Only through an act of profound consciousness-raising will it be possible to embark on a new path toward sustainability.”
The Foundation commissioned five artists – Simone Benedetto, Silvia Della Rocca, Sergio Floriani, Omar Hassan, and Helidon Xhixha – to sound this SOS. Based on their personal sensitivities and vision of the world, each interpreted an aspect of this emergency through works of great emotional impact inspired by the issues of pollution and social and environmental degradation.
The SOSHumanity show takes place at different locations on Lake Orta, with the evocative lake landscape acting to enhance the works: the venues of Orta San Giulio, Gozzano, San Maurizio d’Opaglio, Pella, Pettenasco, and Omegna.
Fantini, which has been active in promoting its local area through art, culture, and environmental protection, is participating in SOSHumanity’s initiative: in fact, the garden of Fantini’s headquarters on the lake is hosting Simone Benedetto’s Teddy Bear, Sexy Teddy, and Animal Soul sculptures.
Teddy Bear and Sexy Teddy are two gigantic bears, four meters high, that have a dual symbolism: they’re icons in defence of the innocence and spontaneity of children, but at the same time also a vehicle for denouncing violence and social degradation. The giant bears restore children’s birth right of innocence by restoring the imagery of healthy and spontaneous play in contact with nature and animals; but at the same time they show the fragility of children, who today are increasingly exposed to readily available, easy-to-use technological devices that put them at risk of gradual physical and psychological isolation.
Also on the lake are the Animal Soul sculptures, which depict the metamorphosis of children into animals by not only assuming their sculptural gesture, but also their most intimate and primordial inner essence. Simone Benedetto thus connects us to a fantastical, fairy tale world where mythological forest creatures come to life and children can become imaginative and playful again.
SOSHUMANITY, from 10 July to 2 November 2022.
Here is the map of the installations on Lake Orta.
Ph_Thanks to Alex Chichi
