ECHOES OF SILK

Key Locations: 

Uzbekistan: Bukhara, Khiva, Samarkand, Shakhrisyabz 

Italy: Venice, San Giorgio Maggiore Monastery

 

BACKGROUND 

Echoes of Silk is an art project developed within the framework of international cultural cooperation between Europe and Asia, aimed to promote cultural diplomacy, through intertwining threads of history, artistry, and intercultural exchange along the ancient Silk Road, echoing the footsteps of traders and travelers of the past, who used to  traverse  these lands in caravans  for more than a millennium. Furthermore, promoting intercultural dialogue and art for democracy, the project serves as a cultural bridge between Italy and  Uzbekistan, strengthening ties between the two countries.

Rooted in UNESCO’s Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003), Echoes of Silk is a tribute to resilience, dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the cultural landscapes of Uzbekistan. The ancient Silk Road , a conduit of commerce and cultural exchange, shaped the destiny of civilizations from antiquity to the present. The cities of Bukhara, Samarkand, Shakhrisyabz and  Khiva, UNESCO World Heritage sites, with their architectural marvels and artisanal traditions, embody the legacy of cross-cultural fertilization. In documenting these living traditions, ‘’Echoes of Silk’; pays homage to the craftsmanship and creativity of Silk Road communities. 

Implementing the ArtDeCo methodology, through the lens of cultural anthropology, visual art, and ecological consciousness, the project aims to illuminate the interconnectedness of civilizations, weaving a narrative that transcends borders and sociocultural confinements. Beyond social constructivism, the project transcends dualities such as East and West, developed and developing, democratic and authoritarian, by fostering dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding between local communities. 

Venice, the queen of the Adriatic and a major maritime power of the past, played a crucial role in the Silk Road’s western end being one  one of the most important centres of silk production in the west and the most powerful western trading partner of china. Their outstanding production of silk flourished, from the early 14th century until the early 17th century. The city’s historical ties with the East are still evident in its architecture, art, and cultural practices, making it an ideal venue for showcasing the Silk Road’s legacy. This historic context though, provides a rich backdrop for exploring contemporary issues through traditional arts as well. To this end, the project will invite artists from both countries to implement the ArtDeCo methodology and conduct art based- ethnographic research along the silk road in Uzbekistan. Focusing on crafting social, cultural and environmental responses, participant artists will elaborate on their personal  research and will express themselves through  multimedia and contemporary art installation proposals. that Echoes of Silk seeks to honor this historical continuum, bridging past and present in a dialogue of civilizations though an awe-inspiring art exhibition at the historic San Giorgio Maggiore.

San Giorgio Maggiore, a Benedictine monastery founded in 982 AD, stands as a symbol of Venice’s rich historical and religious heritage. The monastery has played a pivotal role in promoting arts and culture, hosting numerous exhibitions of contemporary artists such as Ai Weiwei and innovative projects that engage in dialogue with religious themes as in the recent exhibition of Berlinde de Bruyckere. Hosting the ArtDeCo exhibition here not only highlights Venice’s historical significance but also underscores the continuity of cultural exchange that began with the Silk Road and continues into the present. The monastery’s commitment to fostering inter-religious and intercultural dialogue makes it an ideal venue for promoting peace-building and strengthening ties between historically associated regions of the Silk Road, and especially during the Venice Biennale, when it becomes a focal point for artistic and cultural activities, drawing international attention.

To ensure the successful execution of this ambitious project, we have assembled a team of renowned curators, artists, and cultural experts with extensive experience in international art exhibitions and cultural policy. The team includes , Carmelo Grassi, director and curator of the Abbazia Di San Giorgio Maggiore,  with long experience in art exhibitions and events. The department of Asian and North African Studies of Ca Foscari University, with expertise on the silk road  and ethnographic research; art historians specializing in the Silk Road’s artistic heritage and diplomats 

Furthermore, utilizing religious spaces like San Giorgio Maggiore for art installations creates a unique dialogue between the past and present, sacred and secular. This approach not only enriches the viewing experience but also invites visitors to reflect on the deeper connections between cultural heritage and contemporary issues reaffirming that religious spaces, with their inherent sense of history and reverence, provide an evocative setting for exploring themes of intercultural exchange, resilience, and the continuity of artistic traditions.

 

ABOUT ArtDeCo 

ArtDeCo (Art for Development Cooperation)  is an interdisciplinary initiative aimed at leveraging the transformative power of art to foster cultural diplomacy, sustainable development, and international cultural cooperation. Rooted in the principles of cultural heritage preservation, contemporary art practice, and community engagement, it seeks to bridge diverse cultures and foster mutual understanding through artistic expression. Through its comprehensive and interdisciplinary methodology, ArtDeCo aims to create impactful and meaningful cultural projects that resonate on multiple levels. By integrating ethnographic research, visual anthropology, art practice, participatory workshops, and cultural diplomacy, ArtDeCo not only preserves and revitalizes cultural heritage but also fosters global understanding and cooperation. The Echoes of Silk project exemplifies this approach, weaving together the rich tapestry of the Silk Road’s past with contemporary artistic expression, and bringing these stories to a global audience through the prestigious platform of the San Giorgio Maggiore Monastery in Venice.

 

ArtDeCo & ECHOES OF SILK 

ArtDeCo researchers and artists will conduct extensive fieldwork in the Silk Road cities of Bukhara, Khiva, Samarkand, and Shakhrisabz, and Samarkand living and working alongside local artisans to document traditional crafts such as silk weaving, pottery, tile making, and metalsmithing. Using ethnographic methods, including participant observation and in-depth interviews, they will gather rich qualitative data on the cultural and historical significance of these crafts. Artists participating in the project will engage in a series of collaborative workshops with local artisans, creating spaces for creative exchange where traditional techniques are explored and reinterpreted through contemporary art practices. The resulting artworks will reflect the dialogue between past and present, tradition and innovation. 

Specifically, the visual anthropology component will involve creating detailed photographic and video records of the artisans at work, their tools, techniques, and the cultural contexts of their craft. This visual documentation will serve as both a research tool and a means of preserving and sharing the intangible cultural heritage of these communities.

The final phase of the Echoes of Silk project will be a major exhibition at the San Giorgio Maggiore Monastery in Venice. This exhibition will feature the artworks created during the project, along with documentary films, photographs, and artifacts from the fieldwork, offering visitors an immersive experience of the Silk Road heritage and the contemporary artistic responses inspired by it.

BENCHMARKING 

Echoes of Silk, builds on the successful related projects such as the the virtual exhibition “Venice and Suzhou: Two Water Cities along the Silk Road,” a collaborative effort between Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Soochow University, Venice IUAV University, and the School of Art, Design, and Media of Nanyang Technological University. The virtual exhibition, launched on 30 September 2022, during Venetonight, showcased the rich cultural and historical ties between Venice and Suzhou, highlighting their centuries-old experience in water management and their roles as pivotal cities along the Silk Road.

In addition to the historical and cultural connections highlighted in the “Venice and Suzhou” exhibition, the upcoming exhibition “Uzbekistan: Avant-Garde in the Desert” further enriches the narrative by bringing to the Italian and international public an important, albeit lesser-known, chapter in early 20th-century art history. Arranged in two prestigious venues, one in Venice and the other in Palazzo Pitti in Florence, and supported by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation, the exhibition is curated by Silvia Burini and Giuseppe Barbieri, directors of the Centre for Studies in Russian Art at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, with a prestigious international scholarly committee. This exhibition gathers over 100 works spanning from the late 19th century to 1945, mainly paintings on canvas and drawings, plus some extraordinary textiles from the Uzbek tradition. Exhibits are from the State Museum of Arts of Uzbekistan in Tashkent and the State Museum of Arts of Karakalpakstan named after I.V. Savitsky in Nukus, which is internationally known as the “Louvre in the Desert.” It is the first exhibition to highlight the links between the two most important 20th-century art collections in Uzbekistan, offering an in-depth understanding and appreciation of this artistic period.

Moreover, Echoes of Silk,  draws inspiration also  fromSilk Road Worksby Azra Akšamija, exhibited in the “Among Diverse Beings” section of the Arsenale at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2021. Silk Road Works deployed architectural storytelling to explore the rich history and contemporary realities of the Silk Road, addressing issues of migration, labor, and identity politics. Similarly, Echoes of Silk builds upon these themes, emphasizing the enduring impact of the Silk Road on current urban historic landscapes and cultural dynamics. By integrating historical references and contemporary concerns, both projects highlight the significance of the Silk Road in shaping our collective past and present. Echoes of Silk particularly resonates with the vision presented in Silk Road Works, advocating for a future of peaceful coexistence and cultural mobility through the lens of urban transformation influenced by the Silk Road’s legacy.

In conclusion,  Ehoes of Silk represents a profound addition to the intercultural legacy and projects shared between Venice and the Silk Road countries, particularly emphasizing the rich cultural heritage of Uzbekistan. This project transcends traditional exhibition frameworks by fostering a deep, multidimensional dialogue between the past and present, East and West, underscoring Venice’s role as a historical and modern nexus of artistic and cultural convergence, and enriching the legacy of Silk Road interactions in a global context. 

 

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION 

The project will span 12 months, with the first three months dedicated to fieldwork in Uzbekistan, followed by six months of studio work and preparation for the exhibition. The final three months will focus on promoting and setting up the exhibition at the San Giorgio Maggiore Monastery. This initiative highlights the continuous cultural dialogue initiated by the Silk Road, emphasizing peace-building, intercultural connections, and the strengthening of historical ties through art and cultural exchange. 

PROJECT BJECTIVES

 

    • Heritage Preservation

    • Creative Innovation: Utilizing the Art Deco methodology to create visually stunning and historically meaningful installations

    • Highlighting Contemporary Issues: Drawing parallels between historical dynamics and contemporary  issues 

    • Cross- sectoral Collaboration: Engaging artists, historians, and communities for social impact

    • Inclusivity and representation : Representing and celebrating the narratives and contributions of diverse cultures along the Silk Road.

 

 

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