Inanimate Existence
Reviving the unused – Open Call for Artists
LdM Gallery, a gallery for contemporary art in Florence, run by LdM Institute Florence, together with LdM and MARIST-LdM students calls for artists and creatives in the field of visual arts, design, fashion, literature and music to produce a collective exhibition with a purpose of promoting sustainable practices, creative exchange and collective creativity practices. The project is designed to provide students with a creative and professional experience, engaging them in every phase of the creation and exhibition of their work while building their own artistic network. Participants will also be able to get inspired by or share their creative ideas with the local artist and artisans that engage in the topic of creative upcycling and recycling during workshops and artist talks organized in the LdM Gallery and artists’ studios.
The project is curated by the collective of students Samuel Hromec, Belis Ozbek, with the support of LdM Gallery supervisor Spela Zidar and LdM Expanding Creativity Professor Federico Gori.
Project Description / Concept
In today’s world, we structure our lives for maximum efficiency, aiming to complete tasks faster, more effectively, and at the minimum cost. As a result, we discard items that no longer serve their intended purpose. The moment an object fails to perform its function, it automatically loses its value and becomes unusable, thus disappearing from our lives, but continuing its impact on our environment.
Is an inanimate object of any value without its intended purpose? Does it have a purpose without us giving it one? Who decides it and what is really the value of the object? This exhibition seeks to redefine the value of discarded items, giving new life to what is considered purposeless.
The aim of the exhibition is to breathe life into objects that have been cast away, not to restore their original function, but to allow them to ‘live’ in a new context. Artists are invited to engage in a creative process where they express themselves by revitalizing items that never had life of their own.
Through this act of artistic intervention, the participants will challenge the natural tendency to fix things so they regain their utility. Instead, the project celebrates the idea of regiving life to objects.
Artists are invited to explore this concept and challenge their own values. They can extend the topic reflecting on today’s society according to their personal views and experiences. What does it mean to be out of use in society? In the world that is rushing towards what seems more and more an inevitable destruction, what could giving or having a new purpose bring? Could creativity and reuse bring a positive change?
This broader approach encourages artists to delve into the intangible aspects of existence, redefining and reimagining the components of our world and various possibilities of building a new and better future.
In addition, this concept also invites artists to challenge themselves with a limited amount of materials and mediums, as even during artistic creation, a lot of waste is produced, often with minimal awareness. By imposing these limitations, the exhibition encourages sustainable practices and highlights the importance of mindful creation.
Exhibition Title: (IN)ANIMATE EXISTENCE
Location: LDM Gallery, Via Dei Pucci 4 – Florence
Date: December 2024 5-14th
Proposal Submission Deadline: October 8th
Concept: In today’s world, we structure our lives for maximum efficiency, aiming to complete tasks faster, more effectively, and at the minimum cost. As a result, we discard items that no longer serve their intended purpose. The moment an object fails to perform its function, it automatically loses its value and becomes unusable, thus disappearing from our lives, but continuing its impact on our environment.
Is an inanimate object of any value without its intended purpose? Does it have purpose without us giving it one? Who decides it and what is really the value of the object? This exhibition seeks to redefine the value of discarded items, giving new life to what is considered purposeless.
The aim of the exhibition is to breathe life into objects that have been cast away, not to restore their original function, but to allow them to ‘live’ in a new context. Artists are invited to engage in a creative process where they express themselves by revitalizing items that never had life of their own.
Through this act of artistic intervention, the participants will challenge the natural tendency to fix things so they regain their utility. Instead, the project celebrates the idea of regiving life to objects.
Artists are invited to explore this concept and challenge their own values. They can extend the topic reflecting on today’s society according to their personal views and experiences. What does it mean to be out of use in society? In the world that is rushing towards what seems more and more an inevitable destruction, what could giving or having a new purpose bring? Could creativity and reuse bring a positive change?
This broader approach encourages artists to delve into the intangible aspects of existence, redefining and reimagining the components of our world and various possibilities of building a new and better future.
In addition, this concept also invites artists to challenge themselves with a limited amount of materials and mediums, as even during artistic creation, a lot of waste is produced, often with minimal awareness. By imposing these limitations, the exhibition encourages sustainable practices and highlights the importance of mindful creation.
Phases of the project:
Phase One: Selection of the partecipants (mid October)
Phase Two: Meeting of the selected participants in LdM Gallery and discussion about the project (end of October)
Phase Three: Meeting with local artists already engaged in practices of upcycling and recycling (end of October)
Phase Four: Expanding creativity collective workshop (beginning of November)
Phase Five: Final works submission and discussion (mid November)
Phase Six: set up (29 November., 2-3-4 December)
Exhibition: 5-14th December 2024
Benefits for Participants:
Environmental Awareness: Engage with themes of sustainability and mindful creation by using discarded items and limited materials. This approach will highlight the environmental impact of waste, encouraging artists to think critically about their materials and practices, fostering a greater awareness and responsibility towards the environment.
Creative Exchange: Collaborate and exchange ideas with fellow artists through workshops, discussion panels, and collaborative projects. This interaction will not only inspire new perspectives and techniques but also build a supportive artistic community.
Networking: Connect with local artists, curators, and art enthusiasts through exhibition events, opening receptions, and social gatherings. These opportunities will help artists expand their professional network, gain insights into the local art scene, and foster potential future collaborations.
Professional Exposure: Opportunity to exhibit in a professional environment, allowing artists to showcase their work to a broader audience. This exposure can lead to increased recognition, potential sales, and opportunities for further exhibitions.
Educational Experience: Learn about the exhibition process and setup through hands-on experience in preparing and installing the exhibition. Artists will gain valuable skills in curating, managing, and presenting their work, enhancing their professional development.
- These benefits collectively aim to provide a comprehensive growth experience for participating artists, promoting both their artistic practice and professional careers.
Submission Requirements:
- Portfolio: Include up to 5 images of your previous work.
- Proposal: A brief description (300 words max) of how your work aligns with the exhibition theme.
- CV: An updated artist resume.
How to Apply: Submit your application to [email protected] by October 8th.
Contact: For any questions, please contact:
We look forward to your innovative interpretations and contributions to this unique exploration of existence.
The LdM Gallery is a project by Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici, an interdisciplinary space where academic research and artistic experimentation meet within a professional setting.