Ars Aevi Museum of Contemporary Art Sarajevo proudly announces 'Cease', a public art project by Šejla Kamerić, curated by Giulia Foscari, installed at the center of Campo Santo Stefano in Venice, during the 60th International Art Exhibition La Biennale di Venezia. The inaugural event took place on the noon of April 18th and the installation was available for public viewing during the opening weeks of the Biennale.
Having received widespread acclaim for the poignant intimacy and social commentary in her artistic practice, with 'Cease' Kamerić declares a political message of peace. Conceived as a tattered white flag at half-mast, 'Cease' is a gesture of reprimand beyond truce, parley, or surrender. The striking, distinctly still, monumental sculpture abruptly appearing in the Venetian sky requests an unequivocal commitment to vigorous life, a prevalent thematic expression within the artist’s legacy as a survivor of the Siege of Sarajevo.
Commissioned autonomously from deeply divisive structures within the artist's home country, the artwork will be on public display during the inaugural month of the Biennale.
The curator of 'Cease' is Giulia Foscari, an architect, activist and the founder and director of the interdisciplinary studio UNA / UNLESS. Operating across architecture, curatorial practices and geopolitics, Foscari catalyzes global action in defense of environmental and intergenerational justice.
Involving contributions by selected intellectuals, including anthropologists, philosophers, and art professionals, 'Cease' is accompanied by a book and published material released during the Biennale. Ars Aevi Sarajevo and its valuable contemporary art collection have been transforming into an internationally recognized contemporary art institution since its founding in 1992. The concept and strategic goals of Ars Aevi Sarajevo were first presented at the 45th Venice Biennale in 1993. The Ars Aevi Sarajevo has previously represented the Pavillion of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Venice Biennale in 2003, 2009 and 2019.
'Cease' is commissioned by Ars Aevi Museum of Contemporary Art – Sarajevo and its director Senka Ibrišimbegović, as well as the Ministry for Culture and Sports Canton Sarajevo; produced by the artist and producer Jan Eugster, supported by UNESCO, City of Sarajevo, UNA / UNLESS, Eugster || Belgrade, Galerie Tanja Wagner – Berlin, NOMAD – Croatian Office for Contemporary Art.The UNA / UNLESS exhibition production team includes: curator Giulia Foscari with Federica Zambeletti, Francesca Benetti Genolini.
