PARATISSIMA
Arjan Spannenburg at Paratissima 2023
The Power of Artivism in Turin
During the prestigious Turin Art Week in November 2023, Dutch fine art photographer Arjan Spannenburg made a significant international impact at Paratissima XIX: Eye Contact. Exhibiting within the historic walls of the Cavallerizza Reale, Spannenburg was a central figure in the curated showcase "Il Potere" (The Power).
A Curated Partnership: Alina Art Foundation
The exhibition was curated by the Alina Art Foundation, an organization led by Sanda Sudor that champions art as a vehicle for justice and human rights. By aligning with the foundation’s mission, Spannenburg’s work transcended traditional photography, evolving into a profound "Artivist" commentary on the global human condition.
Featured Projects: A Provocative Study of Power
In this curated space, Spannenburg presented three immersive projects that invited international art collectors and enthusiasts to move beyond passive observation:
- SANCTIONED: A monumental, interactive installation. This 200cm fabric print highlighted the legal struggles of LGBTQ+ parents. By leaving the work unmounted and providing both white tape and scissors, Spannenburg forced a choice: to mend or to mar. The resulting scarred canvas now stands as a permanent historical record of public social dialogue.
- COMPELLED: This series featured haunting monochrome portraits printed directly onto carpets. By placing "power" literally under the feet of the viewer, it demanded a conscious decision: to trample upon the depicted individuals or to navigate around them in an act of spatial respect.
- IMPERISHABLE: A cinematic series portraying young men bearing heavy wooden crosses. These images serve as a visual metaphor for the internal strength and the societal "burdens" carried by those perceived as "other," celebrating the endurance of the spirit against adversity.
Why Paratissima Matters
Paratissima is Italy’s leading platform for experimental art, known for democratizing the art world within unconventional, high-authority spaces like the UNESCO-listed Cavallerizza Reale.
Exhibiting here positioned Arjan Spannenburg at the intersection of aesthetic mastery and urgent social commentary, a combination highly sought after by modern art curators and institutional collectors worldwide.
