FLORENCE, 25 October – 7 November
Abra, now as the fire artist, approaches to Florence with a new project that mixes steel shaping and performance: “SILENCE – Sculptures Around the Emptiness”
From October 25 to November 7, at Conventino Caffè Letterario in Florence, an exhibition where sculpture, fire, and live performances create a unique experience.
Florence, October 25, 2024 – Laboratorio 13 Art Space, in collaboration with the Sustainable City Association, presents “Silence – Sculptures Around the Emptiness” a new project by Bologna-based artist Abra Degli Esposti, known simply as Abra. The exhibition will run from October 25 to November 7 at Laboratorio 13, located in Conventino Caffè Letterario, Via Giano della Bella 20. Abra continues her exploration of sculptural art using metals. With iron and recycled steel she crafts artistic pieces that express her profound connection to fire. The project will also feature the daily urban performance “21 Minutes of Silence” that will be carried throughout the exhibition.
Abra’s work is about creating “elemental” sculptures. The fire is the driving force that transforms every substance. Through her art, she channels and communicates messages for our daily life. The exhibition will include sculptures, installations and furniture crafted from recycled metals, shaped and colored with the fire.
The performance will take place in both urban spaces and the exhibition site. On October 10 and November 1 at 12:00 PM, the artist will perform “21 Minutes of Silence” at Piazzale Michelangelo, where she will sit in silent meditation. The same performance will occur daily at Laboratorio 13, offering the audience a chance to experience mental stillness through a mix of art and spirituality. The performance’s message promotes inner and outer peace—an internal practice of stillness, paired with a physical artistic expression that projects peace into the world.
VERNISSAGE. The exhibition opening for “Silence – Sculptures Around the Void” will take place on Friday, October 25, at 5:00 PM at Conventino Caffè Letterario, Via Giano della Bella 20, Florence.
HOURS. The exhibition will run from October 25 to November 7, open Tuesday to Sunday, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
EVENTS. The live performance “21 Minutes of Silence” will take place every day at 5:00 PM at Laboratorio 13. Additionally, performances will occur on October 10 and November 1 at 12:00 PM at Piazzale Michelangelo.
Abra says: “Silence – Sculptures Around the Emptiness” is more than just an exhibition. It arises from action through inaction. Sculpture and performance merge into a unique experience. Steel and fire create shapes that embody silence and the research of silence. It’s about discovering an oasis of eternal peace in the middle of the chaos of daily life. Fire and metals connect each other through an alchemical process, to create shapes born from ‘Visions of the Spirit,’ that float ethereally from the dialogue between emptiness and light. The Sculptures Around the Emptiness represent joy, spiritual strength, and humanity’s essential transformation on Earth, manifesting silent peace in one of the most tangible kinds of art: sculpture.”
Being silent is not just about not speaking. It’s about staying still.
Remaining present and alert can be terrifying.
A firm vibration gradually becomes thin,
turning into golden nectar
that flows inside and explodes with joy in every cell.
So abundant, it spills over into everything and everyone.
So vast, the art seems the only place where it can be contained.”
Stupenda & Meravigliosa ! ! !