Altars: From People to People is a site-specific exhibition prepared by multimedia artist Sante Visioni. Utilizing the unique setup offered by Jinny Gallery, the artist decided to transform each available space of the exhibition into an altar-like display. The exhibition aims at becoming a public celebration of people, where the artist acts just as a facilitator of the connection between those who want to honor somebody and those who will pay respect to them.
In fact, all of the artworks on display pay tribute to specific people, whose names were suggested to the artist through an open call on social media. The initial goal was to collect 42 tributes (one for each space available at Jinny Street Gallery), but the response was overwhelming and requests to be part of the project far outnumbered that of the initial plan. Paired with the names, the artist received various kinds of messages: confidences, soft asks for redemption, and testimonies to those who have passed away. After some deeper consideration , the artist didn’t feel right leaving anyone behind and therefore decided to amend his initial idea to include all the submissions received.
By placing the artworks with the names written on them publicly in the street, the exhibition is transformed into an honorary project. By having some altars ‘shared’ between two or more people, the project becomes a communal celebration, closing its own loop and connecting people with people.
Sante Visioni
Having graduated as an Industrial Engineer from the University of Florence (Italy), Sante Visioni's artistic exploration mainly focuses on the concept of 'balance'. By investigating the tension that can be created by opposite forces, he explores how such contrasts can be used to express our inner feelings. While keeping this at the core of his production, he aims at providing immersive experiences which go beyond the pure visual display, by letting both the audience and himself also engage with sound and other mediums. This exploration of interaction, which often enters into the scope of physical contact, had a fundamental inception in 2010, when he became a member of DPG, an Italian-based electro-punk band, and started painting during live acts surrounded by the crowd. The spontaneity and immediacy of those moments are still a vivid part of his creative process.
Strongly believing in the power of mutual influence, even between fields usually disconnected, he pursues projects and collaborations with other artists, fostering the opportunity for the community to delve into hybrid outcomes. Besides his studio activity, he carries on live performances and street interventions, while also collaborating with established brands.
Sante Visioni currently lives and works in Tokyo.
Location
All 42 street lamps are in use.