Gres Art 671, located close to the city center of Bergamo, has quickly established itself as a vital new player in the city’s contemporary art scene. This innovative space, which opened in 2023, is housed in a former industrial site that has been transformed into a vibrant center for the arts.
Created as part of an urban regeneration project by the Gruppo Italmobiliare in collaboration with the Fondazione Pesenti, Gres Art 671 aims to merge artistic excellence with social impact. It seeks to promote sustainable models for community well-being through a multidisciplinary, inclusive, and accessible program.
As a dynamic venue, Gres Art 671 not only showcases exhibitions but also encourages cultural dialogue and creativity. With its commitment to art, culture, and community, the center is poised to become a significant cultural landmark in Bergamo. Its exhibitions are designed to engage the public, offering both residents and visitors a space to explore contemporary artistic expression in an ever-evolving world.
Marina Abramović at Gres Art 671: “Between Breath and Fire”
Starting on September 14, 2024, Gres Art 671 will host an exceptional exhibition dedicated to one of the most influential contemporary artists of our time: Marina Abramović. Titled “Between Breath and Fire,” the exhibition will run until February 2025 and is curated by Karol Winiarczyk. This highly anticipated event promises an immersive journey into the mind and world of Abramović, featuring thirty of her works—both recent and historic.
The centerpiece of the exhibition is the cinematic installation “Seven Deaths,” a profound tribute to opera legend Maria Callas. This immersive piece delves into the theme of human mortality, presenting seven premature deaths as interpreted through Abramović’s lens, accompanied by the haunting solos of Callas. As Abramović explains, her connection to Callas began during her adolescence in Belgrade, when she became captivated by the soprano’s emotional power and artistic mastery.
“Seven Deaths” celebrates both Callas’ art and the fragility of human existence, combining visual storytelling with operatic intensity. The installation invites visitors to experience a deeply personal and cathartic journey, reflecting on life, death, and the human condition. Abramović’s tribute to Callas is one of passion and reverence, and it serves as a powerful starting point for the exhibition.
The broader exhibition further explores Abramović’s long career, from her pioneering early performances that redefined the boundaries of art to her more recent work, which continues to push the limits of human endurance, vulnerability, and expression. With pieces that reveal the depths of human emotion and consciousness, “Between Breath and Fire” will offer visitors a unique opportunity to witness the work of one of contemporary art’s most significant figures.
The Legacy of Marina Abramović
Born in Belgrade in 1946, Marina Abramović is recognized as the “godmother” of performance art. Her work often confronts the audience with the raw realities of human experience, focusing on themes of identity, pain, endurance, and the passage of time. One of her most famous pieces, “Rhythm 0” (1974), challenged the dynamics between artist and audience in a way that was as shocking as it was revealing. In this performance, Abramović stood still for six hours while the audience was invited to use 72 objects on her body, including a gun. The performance tested the limits of both the artist and the public, leaving a profound mark on the history of contemporary art.
Today, Abramović’s influence extends far beyond her early work, making her a central figure in contemporary art discussions worldwide. The exhibition at Gres Art 671 reflects her ongoing relevance and demonstrates her ability to evoke deep emotional responses through art that connects with universal human experiences.
Gres Art 671: A New Era for Art in Bergamo
Gres Art 671 embodies the spirit of contemporary art by combining aesthetics with social consciousness. Its focus on sustainability and community engagement has transformed this former industrial site into a hub of cultural regeneration. The space itself, with its minimalist yet striking architecture, creates a perfect backdrop for innovative exhibitions like Abramović’s.
For Bergamo, Gres Art 671 represents a new chapter in its artistic and cultural history, offering a venue where contemporary art can flourish and be appreciated by a wide audience. As the city continues to grow as a cultural destination, Gres Art 671 will play an essential role in shaping its artistic identity for years to come.
With Marina Abramović’s “Between Breath and Fire” leading the way, Gres Art 671 sets a high standard for future exhibitions, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with the profound questions of existence through art that resonates on a deeply personal level.