Rosalia Viva. Visioni del presente
ArtistClaire Fontaine
LocationRiso Museo Regionale d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea – Palermo
DateJuly 11 – September 4, 2024
On the occasion of the Jubilee, which marks the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the mortal remains of St. Rosalie, the Riso - Regional Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art has unveiled Between Sky and Earth, a new site-specific installation by the artist Claire Fontaine.
On display until 4th of September, the installation seamlessly merges tradition with modernity, offering a contemporary reinterpretation of Palermo's patron saint through digital symbolism and art.
Between Sky and Earth commemorates Saint Rosalie by associating her cult with two familiar digital symbols: the sun emoji (A Brighter Tomorrow, 2024) - conceived for this occasion - and the fire emoji (On Fire, 2023). These "ready-made" symbols, ubiquitous in digital communication, take on new life as three-dimensional, light-emitting sculptures, challenging the virtual-physical divide with what Claire Fontaine calls an "anti-NFT" approach.
“Emojis are our modern hieroglyphs, describing both the spiritual and the trivial” declares the artist, “the cult of the saints, often the subject of syncretism, is an example of the universal human need to believe in spiritual powers and their ability to heal us and our deepest political contradictions.”
In this context, Claire Fontaine proposes to interpret the "incarnation" of digital affections as a metaphor for the cult dedicated to saints. In particular, in the case of Santa Rosalia, patron saint of the city, the ardor of the fire, symbol of passion and earthly strength, and the light of the sun, which symbolizes healing after the darkness of illness, are two warm and bright images that also portray the city of Palermo with its indomitable and resilient people.
Valentina Bruschi, the curator, remarks, “Claire Fontaine interprets Saint Rosalie’s sacred fire of religious passion as a symbol of fervor in the hearts of believers, dispelling fears and igniting hope and love. The sun, emblematic of healing, wisdom, and miracles, is presented in a universally recognizable visual language, placing the installation in the present and showcasing art’s ability to reinterpret and communicate traditional themes in a contemporary, accessible context.”
This artistic choice reflects the intention to create a bridge between tradition and modernity, connecting the historical reverence for Saint Rosalie with modern digital expressions. This blend of old and new symbols offers a thought-provoking experience in the communication of emotions and sentiments related to saintly veneration.
The installation, visible day and night from the street through the windows of Riso Museum overlooking the main road of the city, via Vittorio Emanuele, that vertically cuts Palermo's historic center, will culminate with a poignant moment on the evening of July 14th: the ‘’Festino’’ processional float dedicated to Saint Rosalie will pass by, affirming the connection between ancient tradition and modern art in this Jubilee Year.
The exhibition runs until September 4th, the dies natalis of Saint Rosalie, marking both her physical death and rebirth into eternal life.
On display until 4th of September, the installation seamlessly merges tradition with modernity, offering a contemporary reinterpretation of Palermo's patron saint through digital symbolism and art.
Between Sky and Earth commemorates Saint Rosalie by associating her cult with two familiar digital symbols: the sun emoji (A Brighter Tomorrow, 2024) - conceived for this occasion - and the fire emoji (On Fire, 2023). These "ready-made" symbols, ubiquitous in digital communication, take on new life as three-dimensional, light-emitting sculptures, challenging the virtual-physical divide with what Claire Fontaine calls an "anti-NFT" approach.
“Emojis are our modern hieroglyphs, describing both the spiritual and the trivial” declares the artist, “the cult of the saints, often the subject of syncretism, is an example of the universal human need to believe in spiritual powers and their ability to heal us and our deepest political contradictions.”
In this context, Claire Fontaine proposes to interpret the "incarnation" of digital affections as a metaphor for the cult dedicated to saints. In particular, in the case of Santa Rosalia, patron saint of the city, the ardor of the fire, symbol of passion and earthly strength, and the light of the sun, which symbolizes healing after the darkness of illness, are two warm and bright images that also portray the city of Palermo with its indomitable and resilient people.
Valentina Bruschi, the curator, remarks, “Claire Fontaine interprets Saint Rosalie’s sacred fire of religious passion as a symbol of fervor in the hearts of believers, dispelling fears and igniting hope and love. The sun, emblematic of healing, wisdom, and miracles, is presented in a universally recognizable visual language, placing the installation in the present and showcasing art’s ability to reinterpret and communicate traditional themes in a contemporary, accessible context.”
This artistic choice reflects the intention to create a bridge between tradition and modernity, connecting the historical reverence for Saint Rosalie with modern digital expressions. This blend of old and new symbols offers a thought-provoking experience in the communication of emotions and sentiments related to saintly veneration.
The installation, visible day and night from the street through the windows of Riso Museum overlooking the main road of the city, via Vittorio Emanuele, that vertically cuts Palermo's historic center, will culminate with a poignant moment on the evening of July 14th: the ‘’Festino’’ processional float dedicated to Saint Rosalie will pass by, affirming the connection between ancient tradition and modern art in this Jubilee Year.
The exhibition runs until September 4th, the dies natalis of Saint Rosalie, marking both her physical death and rebirth into eternal life.
