11th April 2023
A new exhibition has opened at the beautiful Hauser and Wirth Gallery in Mahon, Menorca. Curated by Oriol Fontdevila, 'After the Mediterranean’ brings together seven artists whose work addresses the social and ecological challenges affecting the region.
The exhibition presents a group of artists, many of whom originate from, work within or in relation to territories bordering the Mediterranean—including Spanish, Albanian, French Moroccan and Lebanese artists. They present existing and new works, the latter created through a residency program taking place in Menorca over the winter often in collaboration with local makers such as ceramicists and weavers. A public program runs alongside the exhibition, engaging learning institutions, local organizations and communities, as well as the general public.
‘After the Mediterranean’ conjures a diverse series of futures to address ideas around the human and ecological crises that currently impact the region. The exhibition questions the idea of the Mediterranean as it has been—and continues to be—articulated: as a gentle, sunny sea; as an idyllic region with an equally tranquil way of life; as a place where cultures could coexist, trade and move around in harmony—in line with the tradition of critical thinking relying upon the work of historian Fernand Braudel.
'Through their practice, the artists in the exhibition confront this legacy with the problems that have arisen from the current climate emergency, from post-colonialism and the Arab Spring, from successive migrations and the policies that prevent free movement across this sea,’ says Oriol Fontdevila. At the same time, ‘After the Mediterranean’ introduces new thoughts and stories that testify to the human capacity to tackle the region’s challenges.
‘After the Mediterranean’ is on view now through 29 Oct 2023 at Hauser & Wirth Menorca. The gallery is open Wed – Sun, 10 am – 4 pm.