MAP OF THE NEW ART

Five continents, 38 collections, 6930 artists with 10x12 cm artworks

«This exhibition at the Fondazione Giorgio Cini has a very special significance», says Luciano Benetton. «In a certain sense, the vast numbers of artists present reproduce the world I would ideally like. A world without borders and without political, ideological or religious barriers. Where people work for beauty. And where diversity and freedom of expression are seen as a great wealth. I often say that if it were up to artists, there would be no wars. This is why every new artist, collection, people and nation of Imago Mundi adds a creative and impassioned piece to that map of the new art which we hope will come to include the lands of Utopia, of hope and of peace».

Artwork created for Imago Mundi by eighty artists from the embroidery department of the Mansudae Art Studio (Pyongyang, North Korea), under the direction of Ji Jong Yol, Jon Yong Bok, Kim Mi Ran.

The deep political and cultural isolation of the country has preserved traditions, techniques, themes and materials, as well as extraordinary artistic skills and craftsmanship, which can also be seen in the Imago Mundi North Korea collection.

Outside the Foundation, visitors are greeted by an installation designed by Tobia Scarpa formed of five flags (4 metres high), each displaying a work representing one of the five continents in a symbolic welcome to the global and creative territory of Imago Mundi. The architect Tobia Scarpa was also responsible for the special exhibition structure, designed as a welcoming space, which, in a long sequence of images presented by country, emphasizes the richness of the collections and, at the same time ensures visibility of the individual paintings. Thanks to the exhibition stands that close like the pages of a book, the structure is also easy to transport and install, supporting the itinerant aims of the collections.