VI° CONCORSO LA FENICE ET DES ARTISTES ANNO 2005

Syzygy tide

“In Venice water rises and ebbs away, and then…..”

F“This expression refers to the tidal movements that occur when the moon and the sun are in conjunction or in opposition, something that is strongest when the gravitational attraction of the moon is added to that of the sun.”
My passion for water, intended as H O, has always induced me to think of this element as of something essential to my existence, over and beyond its physiological importance to my body, the latter being made of water to such an extent that when I think about it I feel as if I should instantly dissolve into a puddle.
Water, in its liquid, solid or gaseous forms; seas, lakes, rivers; snow and ice; clouds, or even a simple sauna; all these give me such great pleasure that I try to transmit this to whoever is with me at that time.
Water is a living entity. Its flowing motion is a constant metamorphosis, and one of its manifestations is the syzygy tide.
This form of water flow, which with its regular cadence could almost be the earth’s breath, has always aroused my interest more than all others, perhaps because a wave, a waterfall, the rain and a cloud are generated by events that I can more easily comprehend, such as gravity, the wind and heat. Tides, on the other hand, are determined by the gravitational attraction of the moon, and are changeable, almost temperamental.
One place where this is a real and intrusive phenomenon is Venice, where the problem of high water recently goes hand in hand with that of low tides.
This is why, after trying to explore all environmental and energy related issues, the sixth edition of the “La Fenice et des Artistes” competition will be devoted to this typically Venetian concern, analysing a problem that Venetians and tourists live so very differently.
Those who were with us during the fifth edition were able to experience the Venetian high waters first hand, and the disturbance it causes to the city. However, they also saw the juvenile excitement of Westerners and Orientals alike who, virtually treating the phenomenon like a fairground attraction, barefooted or wearing disposable boots and bin liners, run at the chance of photographing a flooded S. Mark’s Square.
We have asked the artists to interpret the event - which as previously mentioned, goes hand in hand with the problem of excessive low tides, bringing sewers to the surface and causing equally serious damage - in Venice or any other place they feel it applies.
This suggested subject matter has now become highly topical, due to recently renewed discussions on the creation of M.O.S.E. (the experimental electromechanical module) and to the water-based meteorological events that over the past few years have tormented the planet.
The artists, as ever interpreters and careful observers of their time, have captured the topic effectively, giving life once again to an interesting review that I think portrays a representative snapshot of contemporary painting.
I would like to conclude by thanking: the Fenice Hotels, and my good friend Michele Facchini for hosting the initiative and for showing renewed faith in my choices; the sponsors in particular EDF Energia Italia who believe in the event and promote its growth; the ever helpful members of the jury; and the artists, who have enthusiastically contributed to the achievement of this sixth edition.
Finally, after six years, a special thanks to Spatzi - my wife, colleague and accomplice, who has always encouraged my creative expression - is long overdue.

The Curator, Giacomo Pellegrini

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