The work “esotismo” (exoticism) is part of an ongoing cycle textile works entitled “They are only my words”, which addresses issues related to the body, in this case from a post-colonial perspective. Connecting past and present with the intent to overcome the stereotypes that accompany the narrative around the female body.
We live in what Turner calls «Somatic society: a society in which the body is the main field of political and cultural activity, and a decisive place for the creative and conflictual definition of one's own identity.» (1)
The simple gesture of embroidery, an art that leads back to a domestic (feminine) labor dimension, traces the word “esotismo” on a rough linen canvas. A concept that carries within strong colonial stereotypes and that reduces the Other in an object.
“esotismo” also aims to open up a broader reflection on contemporary society, in particular to how digital capitalism has made our lives increasingly frenetic, hindering the true discovery of ourselves and others. The canvas space becomes a search for connection, a meeting without judgement, a desire that gives life to a personal worldview. «We should learn to deconstruct, indeed decolonise our mind, every concept that belongs to us.» (2)
The fascination for the exotic corresponds to the fascination for the Other: the discovery of unexplored territories, which allows us to broaden our horizons.
(1) Grechi G., La rappresentazione incorporata. Una etnografia del corpo tra stereotipi coloniali e arte contemporanea, Bonanno, Roma, 2010, p.17
(2) Barba B., Meticcio. L’opportunità della differenza, Effequ, Firenze, 2018, p.36
