WOVEN TOGETHER

Exhibition Statement: Woven Together
Exploring Art, Identity, and Culture

Durden and Ray is thrilled to announce the upcoming group exhibition, "Woven Together," a unique collaboration featuring artists from the Gallery 70 artist collective in Tirana, Albania, and Los Angeles-based Albanian artists. This exhibition emerges as a powerful tapestry of artistic voices, cultures, and histories, intersecting at the crossroads of creativity and identity.

"Borders" serves as both a theme and a metaphor within this exhibition. It signifies the boundaries that can be traversed, blurred, or dismantled through the act of creation. The interplay of "materials, histories, and symbolism" unfolds in the artworks, representing not only the physical elements used by the artists but also the layers of meaning woven into their expressions. As the artists explore the concept of "Desire" and "exchange without changing yourself," the exhibition becomes a platform for shared narratives, bridging the gap between diverse experiences.

The featured artists bring their relationships with art and their individual journeys to the forefront. Each artwork is a glimpse into the artist's soul, a manifestation of emotions frozen in time. As Jon Kraja eloquently puts it, "My painting is an emotional load that pours over canvas... It is love, which not everyone can see."

Intriguingly, mythological codes and the depiction of humanity intersect within the works of Stommel, infusing ancient symbolism with contemporary creativity. Similarly, Orion Shima's art delves into the depths of memory and emotion, producing images that breathe with stories untold.

The exhibition transcends artistic boundaries to tackle issues of identity and culture. It becomes a space for weaving voices that have been historically marginalized, creating bridges that traverse time and place. In Silvi Naci’s work we see the experiences of individuals explored through the lens of history, migration, and assimilation. By confronting the complexities of ethnicity and heritage, these artists aim to disrupt conventions and reshape narratives.

The craftsmanship and cultural heritage of the artists infuse the exhibition with depth and resonance. We invite you to explore "Woven Together" as a celebration of creativity that transcends borders and defies limitations. The art on display is more than just images; it's a testament to the power of weaving diverse threads into a collective tapestry that speaks to the heart, the mind, and the soul.

Artists:

Jon Kraja, Bojken Lako, Silvi Naci, Orion Shima, Martin Stommel, Ergys Zhabjaku, Alexis Zoto

Gallery70 offers established and emerging artists a space for experimentation, promotion and career developments. Established in Tirana in  2017,  with  presence in the international art platform ARTSY, the gallery  aims to connect local and international artists amidst a critical and commercial surge of interest in Albania. The gallery  hosts an international exhibition program  and facilitates   artist exchange through group shows, residencies  and  mobility. Its excellent location at the very heart of the city , with a triangular  shape and an 8 meter large window display ,  offers artists and curators the challenge for experimentation and site specific installation . www.gallery70.art www.artsy.net/gallery70 info@gallery70.art