Where do we stand when we’re ambivalent? Does it always signify a transitional moment that precedes an impending decision? Can it bring comfort or does it always produce restlessness? Can ambivalence trigger creativity? Those are the questions that AMBIVALOVE begins to reflect upon. The progressive unfolding of such inquiries has led to an indisputable realization: in ambivalence lies truth. Residing in an undefined plane, AMBIVALOVE reclaims and embraces duality as an integral part of our humanness, and seeks to look beyond the initial discomfort it is associated with.
photos by PILOTENKUECHE
The works brought together in this diaphanous space spur an array of conversations sculpting the breadth of ambivalence, both in the personal and the cosmic. By sourcing experiential and collective forms of memory and actively conversing amongst each other, the works gracefully navigate the contradictory relationship with our surroundings and the environment, the conflicting circumstances that define our social structures, or the intricacies of what it means to coexist as individuals. The symbiotic dynamic constructed among the works initiates open-ended interpretations and welcomes ambiguity and contention as a natural step to reaching understanding. The creative space summoned through AMBIVALOVE becomes a collective process of acceptance to in order to recognise the ambivalence in all things. Such acceptance culminates in a freeing and overarching sense of compassion for the world within and around us.
Curators Ralitsa Benkova and Julia Polo
photos by PILOTENKUECHE
“The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function. “ F. Scott Fitzgerald
AMBIVALOVE
Vernissage 18 Feb
Action by Susanne Kompast
open Sun 19, Sat 25, Sun 26 Feb
4PM-8PM
Alte Handelsschule
Giesserstr 75
04229 Leipzig
Artists:
Atom Pavarit (TH)
Marja Vink (NL)
Alicia Quigley (IE)
Carmín Santos Posca (AR)
Susanne Kompast (AT)
Barbara De Vivi (IT)
Bryan Foong (AU)
Theresa Rothe (DE)
Anna Herbert (DE)
Rachel Murphy (IE)
Curatorial team:
Ralitsa Benkova (BG)
Julia Polo (SP)
assistants:
Sarah Boada (CO)
Marlene Neumaier (DE)