Michael Stipe, best known as the lead vocalist for R.E.M., will present his first museum exhibition at Fondazione ICA Milano. The show, entitled “I have lost and I have been lost but for now I’m flying high,” will be on view from December 12, 2023 to March 16, 2024.
Curated by Alberto Salvadori, Stipe’s debut museum exhibition explores various forms of portraiture. It features an array of mediums such as photographs, book covers, ceramics, sculpture, and audio works, offering a comprehensive look at Stipe’s introspective practice. The thematic impetus of the exhibition is inspired by Max Ehrmann’s 1927 poem “Desiderata,” which encourages the creation of serenity through acceptance of fragility.
Born in Georgia, U.S.A. in 1960, Stipe finds strength in vulnerability and considers it a guiding force in contemporary art. His early exposure to the work of self-taught folk artists in Georgia, such as Howard Finster and R.A. Miller, deeply influenced his artistic practice.
“Vulnerability emerges as a ‘superstrength’ in this dynamic,” Stipe said. “It’s a map that describes the difficulties of our present, while highlighting new opportunities and a renewed understanding of our importance—not only to ourselves but also to those around us, to our communities, to our world. In this moment, I choose to focus on the most precious commodity beyond time, which is the brilliance, beauty, and playfulness of life. I have lost and I have been lost, but for now, I’m flying high”
The exhibition also features work from notable artists like Constantin Brancusi, Bruce Nauman, and Marisa Merz. These pieces complement Stipe's own creations, forming a dialogue between his influences and his unique artistic voice. Complementing the exhibition is a publication titled “Even the birds gave pause,” produced by Damiani Books. The volume marks Stipe’s photographic book and includes several works-in-progress related to the exhibition.
from Artsy News https://ift.tt/Pz3nTFL
No comments:
Post a Comment