Bridge of Cultures

Oil on canvas on hardboard, 2 separate pieces 128 x 310 cm

Catalogue : Alanica 2011, catalogue

Bridges of understanding

It’s the fifth time that the capital of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania has welcomed its guests, artists, in the framework of the international symposium “Alanica”. In 2011 a saturated program of the symposium presented contemporary art that most actively influences and involves the viewer in the process of creation of an artwork, alongside with contemporary painting and graphics.

One of the priority tasks put forward by the curators was not only the presentation of art in the traditional museum halls, but also its integration in the public city space to approximate the city dwellers and this kind of art, and to provoke a natural feedback through discussions. The Central park of Vladikavkaz saw various objects of land art vividly inscribed in the natural environment. Expressive graffittis transformed thr former building of the “Irteks” exhibition centre and the walls of the “Komsomolets” cinema. It was there where for 2 weeks on a daily basis artists and curators delivered their master-classes and made presentations which introduced the artworks of the symposium participants and the collection of Russian and international video art  to visitors. The topics discussed were not only contemporary tendencies and forms of representation, but also the intercourse between and coexistence of contemporary culture and traditional art. One of the most spectacular and large-scale events to highlight the symposium was a work  by a group of young artists “Houston Street” - an architectural video-mapping on the façade of the cinema and concert hall “Oktyabr”. The video was triumphantly finalized by an appearance of the image of the Gergiev music centre whose construction is planned to start on this spot in the near future.

The outcome of the symposium was the donation of over 100 artworks to the National museum of the republic of North Ossetia-Alania, including works of contemporary art, which allowed compiling a unique collection of an international standard that features a wide range of visual culture and complements the traditional museum collections. In the framework of the Russia-Italy Year 2011 several Italian artists were invited to the symposium who represented a classical image of contemporary Italian art. The event also welcomed participants from the UK, Poland, France, Azerbaijan, Israel and Ukraine. The geography of Russian artists covered a sheer territory from Kaliningrad to the Urals, and from Saint-Petersburg to Vladikavkaz which allowed to demonstrate a most impressive range of artistic attitudes towards the territory, national traditions and unique landscape. The new author statements - reserved, tactful and tolerant towards the national historical culture of Ossetia - made an updated and attractive image of the Caucasus possible. Such concentration of contemporary art did not only generate considerable interest, but also contributed to its understanding as an indispensable part of contemporary and actively developing society. Art creates new open communicative platforms where the artist and the viewer meet and which create a favourable environment which fosters the active engagement of the viewer into a common European process.

The development of the symposium and professional activities within it are focused on the enhancement and strengthening of international and regional cultural ties in the field of contemporary visual arts. The symposium and its associated activities foster the processes in cultural journalism, art critics, curatorial and management practices which interact with artistic developments in the region.

With technological and intellectual innovations in view which have embraced the country, Alanica” uses a universal language of contemporary art to expand and carry the format of an art event to an international level…

Paul Critchley, Rainford, UK

Bridge of Cultures. Oil on canvas on hardboard, 2011

This painting of a bridge of books spanning the remains of a wall symbolizes the triumph of thought over the barrier of ignorance and prejudice. The books represent the accumulation of knowledge acquired over the centuries and across the world. The key book in the story is the blood red book  which represents the code of DNA which we all share, and no man--made barrier can divide us from sharing life.

Famous Magazine, October 2011

at the symposium

The following photos are courtesy and copyright of Luigi Ottani©, thank you Luigi.

Emanuela Camacci - l’albero ed io