Allora & Calzadilla duo on display at MAXXI to tell the contradictions of globalization

The exhibition Blackout by the duo Allora & Calzadilla, composed of Jennifer Allora (Philadelphia, 1974) and Guillermo Calzadilla (Havana, 1971), best known for their performances as well as for representing the United States at the 2011 Venice Biennale, opened at MAXXI - Museo Nazionale delle Arti del XXI Secolo in Rome. The exhibition, which runs through May 30, 2018 and is curated by Hou Hanru and Anne Palopoli, displays a nucleus of works intended to address the theme of the contradictions of the globalized world, between limits and disintegration. This particular narrative of globalization will start from a specific place, namely Puerto Rico, the island where Allora & Calzadilla live and work: through the narration of the paradoxical situation of this territory unincorporated by the U.S., the two artists, the presentation reads, “nalize the criticalities and contradictions related to energy in its relationship with power, research, environmentalism and the global political situation, confirming their vocation to reflect on events and circumstances related to the historical-political actuality.” These are visionary works that attempt to interpret the present by offering different insights to the public.

“The exhibition” by Allora & Calzadilla, the presentation continues, “testifies to their poetic and experimental vision that challenges established categories and emphasizes the hybridization and contamination that the artists have cultivated in their work over the past twenty years.” Also part of the project is the creation of a solar-powered system: the technologies and lighting are in fact powered by photovoltaic panels.

The exhibition will be accompanied by the performance Mains Hum, a sound composition for vocal group by American composer David Lang, which serves as a sound “frame” for the main work in the exhibition, which is titled Blackout and gives the exhibition its title. The performance will take place on set dates on weekends or holidays: March 3 and 4, March 17 and 18, March 31 and April 1, April 7, April 22, April 28 and 29, May 12 and 13, and May 26 and 27. Always twice on each day, at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mains Hu is performed by a vocal group consisting of Monica Benvenuti (soprano), Elisa Prosperi (soprano), Virginia Guidi (mezzo soprano), Sandro Naglia (tenor), Alessandro Tamiozzo (tenor) and Nicholas Isherwood (bass). The exhibition is open during MAXXI’s opening hours: Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed every Monday and May 1. Tickets: full 12 euros, reduced 8 euros (for under 30s, groups of 15, journalists, concessionary, members of families consisting of two adults and at least one child), special reduced 4 euros (for under 14s and school groups purchasing activities MAXXI’s educational activities), free for under 14, disabled and accompanying persons, MiBACT employees, accompanying persons and tour guides of the Lazio Region, one teacher for every 10 students, ICOM and AMACI members, accredited journalists, MAXXI membership card holders, students and university researchers of architecture and art Tuesday through Friday holidays excluded, for everyone on their birthday). Possibility to purchase MAXXI+La Triennale di Milano tickets (15 euros) and ticket valid for 48 hours (15 euros). For information you can visit the exhibition page on the MAXXI website. Hashtags: #BlackoutExhibit and #AlloraCalzadilla.

Image: Allora & Calzadilla, Blackout (2017; electromagnetic transformer, ceramic insulators, steel, iron, oscillator, speaker; Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary Collection)

Allora & Calzadilla duo on display at MAXXI to tell the contradictions of globalization

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