Jyot
A creative bridge between Milan and Ahmedabad, between light and matter, takes shape thanks to the collaboration between the Indian gallery 079 Stories in Ahmedabad and Casa degli Artisti in Milan, with the support of the Consulate General of Italy in Mumbai.
The project started on 23 August in Ahmedabad with Jyot (ज्योति) – "divine light" – of Roberto Rup Paolini – the first exhibition of an Italian artist in Gujarat. Curated by Caterina Corni and Giulia Restifo, in partnership with That's Contemporary and TAF The Arts Family London, a non-profit organisation that supports artists from South-East Asia.
The opening of 'Jyot' was held in the presence of the Consul General of Italy in Mumbai, Walter Ferrara, who emphasised the importance of the cultural exchange between Italy and India: 'As we know, the relationship between Italy and India is ancient, woven throughout history by explorers and merchants, particularly from Venice to the ports of Gujarat. Today, we build on that historical foundation not with silk and spices, but with the lively exchange of ideas, innovation and creativity. This exhibition is an exemplary testimony of this modern and dynamic partnership."
Words that were inspired by the works of Roberto Rup Paolini, whose exploration of fire is rooted in a symbolism that is both universal and able to resonate deeply in both cultures.
The project, started in 2022, was born from the desire to represent an inner transformation: "fire as a destructive but purifying force that reduces the past to ashes, but also as vital and creative energy, of elevation and renewal, linked to the myth of the Phoenix and to life itself". The artist states and continues: 'In a psychological path of inner growth, "burning" what is no longer needed means making one's personality 'purer', bringing it closer to its most authentic nature, so that the inner sun can emerge. Fire thus becomes not only a regenerative path, but also a pure and ancient energy, warmth and light."
The exhibition consists of 66 pastels, 11 acrylics and a stop-motion animation consisting of 380 drawings.
From left to right: Purva Damani (director of the 079|STORIES; Caterina Corni (curator); Roberto Rup Paolini; Walter Ferrara (Consul General of Italy in Mumbai) and his wife Olga Ferrara; Giulia Restifo (director of Casa degli Artisti, Milano); Vipul Prajapati (artist)
The first phase of the project ideally culminated in the celebration of the 80th Italian Republic Day in Mumbai, during which the project catalogue was presented and the work donated to the Italian Consulate in Mumbai was exhibited.
