STILLS OF PEACE

Stills of Peace and Everyday Life – Edition VI

In this sixth edition, after exchanges with Pakistan, Spain, France, China and Morocco, Italy meets Iran, a bridge and a crossroads country between East and West, at the center of debates and tensions, full of poetry, energy, eagerness to express and make known its identity. 

Aria Foundation has been developing Stills project over time to such an extent that today it appears to be somewhat different from its first edition: it has understood and better defined its objectives and functions, it has extended its cultural offer to other artistic expressions, it has involved other cities in addition to the city of Atri. This year the project will open with a particular initiative in the Castle of Roccascalegna, which will host meetings, conferences and exhibitions. 

Also this year, therefore, we will propose an “all-round” comparison, balancing entertainment and culture through research and comparisons in contemporary art, in a cultural format which bases its identity on dialogue, always trying to improve itself whenever new possibilities to build relationships and thoughts arise.

Exhibitions:

Scuderie di Palazzo Acquaviva – Atri

Transfiguration Mode – Navid Azimi Sajadi and Enrico Tealdi

Curated by Antonio Zimarino and Mariano Cipollini

The exhibition meets and intersects the dreams, transformations, intimate visions and memory of two of the most significant and interesting artists of the new Italian and international art. Two worlds and two cultures in search of poetry and meaning, the transfiguration of two imaginary in which to read the relationship of the two artists with life and existence. Through the proposed tensions and symbols we can enter their system and try to understand ourselves better.

It is the differences in stories, forms and modes of expression that suggest specificity and identity: a poetic and enlightening comparison to make us understand the profound humanity that unites beyond difference.

Scuderie di Palazzo Acquaviva – Atri

Are You Protected? – Samin Kamal Beik, Mona Mohagheghi and Zoya Shokoohi 

Curated by Eva Comuzzi

The title of this exhibition comes from a state of evident abandonment in which our country and the entire planet pour, and from the interest in obsession and fear for our safety. Two feelings that emerge more and more, especially in places where there is more well-being, and that go to raise our protective barriers, armoring and making us impenetrable even to emotions. Three Iranian artists, born in the early and late eighties: Samin Kamal Beik, Mona Mohagheghi and Zoya Shokoohi, have been chosen to tackle this issue through different media.

Museo Archeologico – Atri

Iran – Mauro Vitale

Curated by Maryam Mavaddat

The exhibition Iran is the sensitive and direct imprint of a journey to a country rich in history and beauty, where humanity preserves in its eyes an archaic and authentic light. Through the photographs of Mauro Vitale you can see the diversity between the areas of the north-west and south, to have a more articulated image of the country. At the same time it wants to highlight the charm induced by the lifestyle of these populations, trying to encourage the breaking down of prejudices. In the images the faces and places become mirrors of an experience, in which every man can recognize himself and find himself, and the gaze of the author predisposes us to understanding and wonder.

Castello di Roccascalegna – Roccascalegna (CH)

Countries, Landscapes & Wool – Lucilla Candeloro and Jenny Charlotta Wood

Curated by Klas Barthelsson and Antonio Zimarino

Abruzzo has distinguished itself in the production of wool for many centuries, especially between the fourteenth and nineteenth; the same can be said of Iran, but also of Scotland in the United Kingdom. Countries, Landscapes & Wool offers a moment of reflection on the art and culture of these countries with respect to the production and processing of wool, but also of the historical processes for traditional fabrics: Persian carpets, Scottish fabrics and Abruzzesi blankets (tarantulas). The gaze of the two artists, Lucilla Candeloro and Jenny Charlotta Wood, focuses on landscapes that were once shaped by constant agricultural and pastoral activity, which has imprinted a strong identity in the populations.

CINEMA:

Cortile di Palazzo Acquaviva – Atri

Cine Iran – Review of Iranian cinema

Movies screened in original version with Italian subtitles
Curated by Pino Bruni