Exhibition at Eligere Gallery, Seoul
July 14th 2023

SOTTOMONDO

SOTTOMONDO

The "Sottomondo" exhibition features a path to follow both physically and metaphorically based onthetaleofDante' sDivineComedy.Visitorswillbeguidedthroughthevariouscirclesofhell presented, with artworks and scenes representing each circle. This physical journey allows visitors to follow the story and discover thedifferent themes addressed in Dante's Divine Comedy.

At the same time, the exhibition's path can be considered a metaphorical journey, representing an inner journey through the different facets of the human soul. Visitors are invited to reflect on their own identity and place in the world by discovering the characters and scenes presented throughout the exhibition.

By following this physical and metaphorical path, visitors can discover new perspectives on their own inner life and personal journey.

 "Midway upon the journey of our life"

"Midway upon the journey of our life"

These are the first words of Dante before entering Hell. These words mark the beginning of his journey in the middle of his life, where he finds himself lost and confused. This work is also the very first painting in the exhibition, welcoming visitors. It serves as an introduction to the exhibition, setting the tone for Dante's journey through the afterlife.

"Dante's contemplation"

Dante is captivated by his own thoughts, immersed in deep introspection. He invites the viewer to join him in his reflection, to contemplate the importance of self-examination and the search for meaning in life.

"The guidance of Virgil"

Virgil is shown writing, immersed in his task with intense concentration. This representation highlights the central place of Virgil in Dante's work, as it is he who guides the poet through the various stages of his journey. Virgil reminds us of the importance of writing in the transmission of knowledge and wisdom.

"Deep Thinking"

1)Limbo: reserved for souls who have not received baptism and who, without being guilty of sin, cannot access Paradise.
The first circle of Hell, or Limbo, is an important stage in the exhibition. Here, the three great Greek philosophers, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, are waiting together in Limbo. This representation emphasizes the importance of these great thinkers in the search for truth and the quest for self-identity. Their presence in Limbo is a way of showing their place in the history of humanity. This idea allows the exhibition to begin by addressing the theme of the search for self-identity.

"Judge of the damned"

2) Lust: reserved for souls who have been dominated by the passion of the flesh.

Minos is the judge of Hell, responsible for determining the circle of Hell in which each soul will be punished according to their sins. He is described as an imposing and fearsome being, capable of detecting the lies and deceptions of souls who come before him. His role in Hell is crucial to maintaining order and justice in the afterlife. Minos is represented as a normal-lookingfigure rather than bestial, to remind us that human nature can be complex and that it is important not to judge people based on their appearance. This representation emphasizes the importance of not judging people based on their appearance, but rather taking the time to get to know them and understand their story. In this way, the exhibition highlights the search for self-identityand others, a central theme of the Divine Comedy.

"Guardian of the underworld"

3) Gluttony: reserved for souls who have been dominated by appetite and excessive consumption of food, drink, etc.
The third circle of Dante's Hell represents the place of punishment for gluttons, who are subjected to a storm of hail, snow, and mud. Due to this incessant storm, they cannot communicate with each other. Cerberus, the three-headeddog who guards the entrance to this circle, is represented in this part of the exhibition to show the ferocious and frightening aspect of this place. In addition to being an emblematic figure of Dante's Hell, Cerberus also represents surveillance and guardianship, thus symbolizing the punitive nature of this place. Its representation with three heads symbolizes the three types of gluttony: binge eating, overeating, and excessive desire for food.

"Midas' reflection"

4) Greed: meant for souls that have been dominated by the love of money and greed.
The character of Midas, the king of Phrygia, is depicted in this exhibit. He is shown looking at his hand, thus recalling his divine punishment for his fault of wanting everything to be turned into gold. This representation symbolizes greed and excessive desire for wealth, which can lead to self-loss and ruin. It highlights the disastrous consequences that the pursuit of wealth and power can have on an individual's personality and life. This representation seeks to show how the choices we make in our life can influence our identity and destiny.

"The burning fury of Phlegyas"

5) Anger and Sloth: meant for souls that have been dominated by anger, violence, sadness, or laziness.
In this representation, Phlegyas, the guardian of the lake of fire, is prominently featured in close-up.With a flame in each eye and flames in the background, this mythological figure literally seems incandescent with anger and rage.

According to Greek mythology, Phlegyas was angry because King Ixion had seduced his daughter. To get revenge, Phlegyas then set fire to Ixion's palace, where he was also a guest. This impious act had provoked the anger of the gods, who had then condemned Phlegyas to be punished in Dante's Inferno for eternity. His punishment consists of being immersed in a lake of fire, with flames burning his eyes, symbolizing the anger and rage that led him to his downfall. Thus, Phlegyas is a striking example of how anger can lead to destruction and punishment, and how it is important to control one's emotions to avoid causing damage to oneself and others.

"Hey you, who are you"

In the Divine Comedy, characters are not easily identifiable as they are often covered in mud or are mere shadows. The question "Hey you, who are you" is asked several times in the poem, representing a deep questioning of one's own identity. This work invites the viewer to reflect on their own life, identity, and destination. It reminds us that each of us is constantly evolving in our own journey, and encourages us to step back and reflect on who we are and where we are going.

"The eyes of Galileo"

6) Heresy: reserved for souls who have professed beliefs contrary to Christian doctrine.
The sixth circle of Dante's Inferno is a place where heretics are punished by being locked in fiery tombs. Galileo, a famous scientist of his time, was accused of heresy for his heliocentric theory that challenged the Catholic theology of the time. In this light, a portrait of Galileo looking at the moon with an early telescope represents his quest for scientific truth, which led him to his heretical beliefs and condemnation. The black moon symbolizes the darkness of the tombs in which heretics are locked up, while the different black background symbolizes the difference between scientific truth and theology.

"Confronting the Minotaur"

7)Violence: for souls who have shown violence.
The painting depicted in the seventh circle explores the duality of human nature. The portrait of the Minotaur, who is lounging, highlights this duality. The artwork examines themes of internal struggle between primal instincts and the desire for comfort and peace, as well as the search for balance between these two aspects of oneself.

"Medusa"

8)Deceit: for souls who have committed acts of deceit, fraud, and betrayal.
Medusa is a symbol commonly associated with deceit and betrayal, two themes that are explored in the eighth circle of the exhibition. The petrifying gaze of the mythological figure represents how lies and deceit can immobilize a person, preventing them from moving forward in life. This painting encourages visitors to be aware and cautious of manipulation, and to seek truth to avoid being blocked in their own lives.

"Conspiracy and Consequence"

9) Betrayal: for souls who have betrayed their country, family, friends, or lord.
The ninth circle of the exhibition is representative of betrayal and features an artwork in the form of a portrait of Brutus and Cassius plotting. This painting highlights the complexity of human relationships and the devastating impact of betrayal on those around us. It also emphasizes the fragility of trust and how easily it can be broken. By examining this artwork, visitors are invited to reflect on the consequences of their choices and the values they choose to uphold. This painting reminds us of the importance of trust, honesty, and integrity to maintain healthy and lasting relationships, whether they are personal or professional.

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