Tenderness

MyMicroGallery is pleased to announce “Tenderness” a group show exhibition curated by Stefania Carrozzini, that will be on view from June 25 to July 6, 2015. The exhibition is composed of thirty works including paintings and photography by twelve artists from Italy and United States. It is an exhibition that addresses the multiple meanings and implications related to the feeling of tenderness. An opening reception with the artists will be held on Thursday, June 25 from 6.30 to 9 p.m.

As the curator wrote in the introductory essay of the exhibition: “Pope Francis in one of his recent speeches said that we should not be afraid of tenderness, that the planet should be treated with tenderness and that tenderness is revolutionary. But what is actually tenderness? First it must be said that tenderness is not mere emotion and excitement of feeling towards the other. Tenderness arises when the ego is put aside, the Self is recognized in the other, becomes the other. It ‘s always a bridge and never a wall. Is the opposite of Narcissus, for the subject does not see himself in the mirror, but he realizes clearly and precisely who is the other. And he loves for what he/she is. It ‘s the best way to reach higher knowledge. It defines us as truly human, sharing the destiny of creation. And by the way there is also a statement of revolutionary Che Guevara which can inspire: “We must be strong without ever losing tenderness”.

If we look up at the dictionary tenderness it is synonymous with sweetness, kindness, sensibility, and compassion. It’s a unique characteristic of childhood which then over time, gives way to other attitudes deemed more appropriate for functional adulthood. In reality we often embark on a journey that has lost sight of the origin and the destination, because the spirit of tenderness is our true home. Perhaps only the artists are allowed to return children. On “Planet of Tenderness” there are no limits and boundaries, confined spaces that oppress the soul, because the view is wide open. The bodies floating in the air where communication is music. As Khalil Gibran reminds us, “Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and determination.” Only who is strong can express tenderness, and it’s very difficult when we are afraid of our own feelings to expose our inner selves.

The distinction is that Blaise Pascal helps us to understand well that tenderness distinguishes the “esprit de finesse” from ‘”esprit de géométries.” The esprit de finesse is the spirit of subtlety, sensitivity, care and tenderness. The spirit not only thinking and reasoning. It goes further, because it adds the ability to feel deeply. Hence the art, creativity, and all those values for which it is really worth living, to use time and energy. The esprit de géométrie is the spirit of power. And where there is power there is no desire of tenderness or love. Ours is a culture of “geometric”, with a large accumulation of information but little wisdom, with too many destructive devices, shown by the media, by altered communication which aims to feed negativity and that takes us away from our true nature. Life and love can be fragile. There is only one invincible power that feeds and saves us and that is tenderness”.

From June 26 to July 6 only by appointment.