Exhibition "rosso non c'è" by Beat Zoderer in Mandranova

Mandranova is a farm and boutique hotel in Sicily that has been run by the Di Vincenzo family for six generations. From the 15^th to 29^th of June 2024, the renowned Swiss artist Beat Zoderer took part in Mandranova's "Artist in Residence" programme, drawing inspiration from the Sicilian way of life and surroundings. On the 29^th of June, the exhibition "rosso non c'è" opened, showing the works of this creative period.

In the picturesque hills of Palma di Montechiaro in the Agrigento province, surrounded by a rich landscape and cultural diversity, lies Mandranova, a farm run by the Di Vincenzo family. The estate includes an almond orchard and olive oil production as well as a boutique hotel. This year, the Di Vincenzo family is honoured to welcome the internationally acclaimed Swiss artist Beat Zoderer to their "Artist in Residence" programme. From the 15th to 29th of June 2024, he moved his studio to Sicily and created new works at Mandranova. His newly created artworks will be on display at the Mandranova from the 30th of June to the 7th of September 2024 in the exhibition "rosso non c'è". The exhibition was curated by Rachel Schilirò from Flowcube Communications in Zurich. Accompanying the exhibition is a publication available in print and online for guests and interested parties.

The exhibition "rosso non c'è" at Mandranova

The exhibition "rosso non c'è" highlights the typical characteristics and features of Zoderer's art: irony, deception, imperfection and spontaneity. In the new "Cubist Watercolours" and "Mandranova Grid", Zoderer deliberately emphasises contradictions, calculation and randomness. The watercolour technique creates an illusion of three-dimensionality, and the layering of grids and layers of paint produces a new spectrum of mixed colours. Voids and gaps in the colour composition reveal the underlying layers and are an essential part of the colour composition.

The breadth of mixed colours in these works represents a completely new artistic dimension for Zoderer. The range of mixed colours in these works represents an entirely new artistic dimension for Zoderer. It is the result of a spontaneous creation process and the influences experienced by the artist during his stay at Mandranova. The colour palette reflects Sicily’s diversity, from natural elements to the cuisine, to architecture and art.

"Artist in Residence" at Mandranova: an artistic endeavour amidst scenic and cultural diversity

The Di Vincenzo family's passion for contemporary art and their belief that artistic exploration of current themes can open up new and fascinating perspectives led to the introduction of the "Artist in Residence" programme in 2012. Part of the estate has since then been transformed into a spacious art space.

As part of this social commitment, contemporary artists enjoy two weeks of hospitality at Mandranova. During that time, they have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with Mandranova's philosophy, participate in the Sicilian culture and way of life, and use these experiences as inspiration for their work. The programme is also attractive for the guests of Mandranova, as the studio is freely accessible, allowing the them to witness the artists' creative process. The "Artist in Residence" programme aims to promote an inspiring dialogue between art and society.

Beat Zoderer draws inspiration from constructivism and concrete Art, utilising his works to question these styles with irony and critical insight. His oeuvres include sculptures, installations, paintings and drawings. He employs a largely spontaneous process in creating these pieces, aiming to find order in chaos. They are represented in prominent collections such as the Kunsthaus Zürich, the Kunstmuseum Bonn, the Bundestag Collection as well as European and US private collections. Significant solo exhibitions in recent years include "New Tools for Old Attitudes" in 2008 at Haus Konstruktiv Zurich and "Less and More" in 2022 at Museum Voorlinden The Hague.

Further information on Mandranova's "Artist in Residence" programme can be found at: https://mandranova.com/residenza-dartista/