On the occasion of the 20th Week of the Italian Language in the World, the Ambassador of Italy in Riyadh, Roberto Cantone, inaugurated today 21 October the photo exhibition MUSICA by Italian artist Michele Ardu, in collaboration with the Diplomatic Quarter.
MUSICA includes eight original artworks located in different sites within the Diplomatic Quarter. Each artwork represents a song from the musical heritage of Italy and Saudi Arabia. Six Italian musical pieces – ranging from opera to classical and contemporary Italian music: the Barber of Seville by Rossini as well as Andrea Bocelli, two famous female Italian singers (Mina and Mia Martini), the Italian national anthem and the soundtrack of the film “Nuovo Cinema Paradiso” by Maestro Ennio Morricone. There are also two artworks representing the musical heritage of Saudi Arabia: the traditional Saudi sword dance “Ardha” and one of the many beautiful love songs by Mohammed Abdu (Kul Ma Nasnas). The exhibition runs from 21 October to 1 December 2020.
Using a conceptual approach to photography, the artist captures in each artwork the shape that sound waves create by themselves when they meet a linear stream of flowing smoke. The exhibition challenges us to experience music in a radical new way, by perceiving it through our eyes, rather than through our ears. It is an invitation to overcome all obstacles and live our lives to the fullest.
“I am extremely glad that we have been able to collaborate with Michele Ardu and show his work for the first time in Saudi Arabia – said Ambassador Cantone. He is extremely talented and an excellent example of the creativity and innovation of the Italian cultural scene. We have chosen to organize the MUSICA exhibition because of the interesting concept behind it and its relevance for today. By blurring the lines between music and photography, the exhibition reminds us that no matter the obstacles we face, we always have the opportunity to overcome our limits and succeed. Over the last few months, especially during lockdown, because of the covid-19 pandemic, we all experienced what this means. Thanks to the courage and talent of artists like Michele, both in Italy and Saudi Arabia, despite all challenges, we have had the opportunity to re-discover the essential role that art and culture play in our lives and to reconnect us with our humanity. I am happy that we have this opportunity today to strengthen the cultural partnership between our two countries.”
Marianna Balducci – Freelance illustrator, graduated in fashion, based in Rimini (Italy), and working on communication projects and children’s books. Marianna often mixes illustration and photography, traditional and digital tools. Her first photo-illustrated children book won the National “Nati Per Leggere” Prize in 2018 (“Il viaggio di Piedino”, Elisa Mazzoli e Marianna Balducci, Bacchilega Junior). She also works with the Fashion University of Bologna (Alma Mater Studiorum) teaching communication and creative languages. She writes articles about books and creative activities for the online magazine aduntratto.com and occhiovolante.it
Instagram | @mariannabalducci_chidisegna
Website | mariannabalducci.it
Sarah Taibah – Artist, writer and actress, Sarah was born in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) in 1989. She completed her MFA from Academy of Art university in San Francisco. In 2015, and jumped around many residencies in Europe. Sarah founded her own Illustration and Design house “Rasma & Kilma” while acting and writing at the same time. Sarah has always been interested in women related topics as themes for her work. Sarah experiments with multiple mediums and often connects through materials in an attempt to ventilate her artistic abilities in multiple forms including acting, writing, poetry, performance art, and illustration.
Instagram | @sarahtaibah
Website | sarahtaibah.com
Talal Al Zeid – Born in 1981, Talal lived across Europe and was immersed in Hip Hop during the early 90’s which marked the beginning of his career. He then joined various crews and wrote Graffiti for about a decade. Afterwards, he moved to the U.S. to pursue his higher education and upon graduation, he set up his studio in Riyadh where he currently lives and works. Talal showcased his works in numerous exhibitions and art fairs, such as Scope Basel, Vienna Art Fair, Abu Dhabi Art Fair, Art Curial in Paris and more. Some of his works are on public display at the British Council in London, Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, King Abdulaziz Center for Knowledge and Culture in Dahran and other entities as well.
Instagram | @talalalzeid
Website | talalalzeid.com
Michele Ardu – Michele is a London-based Italian artist who uses photography to connect with the World. His first artistic photography research is “In Re Quieta”, a collection of photographs focused on the relationship between Man and Horses. MUSICA is his second portfolio. Michele’s artwork has been published and exhibited internationally (including multiple editions of National Geographic).
Instagram | @michelearduphoto
Website | micheleardu.com
