Maru (2023) unique, Straws, nylon threads, plexiglass box - h 100 x 100 x 30cm - Envol (2023), unique, Dandelion seeds, nacre, brass threads and nylon threads, box in plexiglass h 57 x 36 x 26 cm
Memories of the future
As humans, we are inherently tethered to the past through our memories, yet we often find ourselves equally captivated by the allure of the future. While our experiences shape our memories, our imagination fuels our dreams of what lies ahead. The concept of "memories of the future" may initially appear paradoxical, but it unveils a fascinating aspect of the human psyche – our ability to anticipate and project our desires onto the canvas of time. Our memories are often intertwined with nostalgia – a powerful sentiment that can make us yearn for moments that have yet to come or already have occurred. The anticipation of a future event can evoke emotions akin to remembering the past. It's as if we are simultaneously living in two temporal dimensions, savoring moments that exist in the realm of possibility.
Galerie Geraldine Banier is extremely honored to present the 4th solo show of Manuele Bernardi dedicated to the idea of the moments of the present freezed into its eternal beauty. The legacy show will present the latest creation of the artist's mind, showcasing the outstanding level of craftsmanship and real artistic intention combined, to create a new story that you are invited to be an integral part of. This exhibition, resplendently termed a "legacy show," embarks on a voyage beyond the confines of mere artworks. It speaks to the chronicle of an artist's evolution, the echoes of their creative footprints through time. Each installation, a chapter unto itself, becomes a mirror reflecting the evolution of thought, technique, and emotion—a dance of the artist's spirit with the ephemeral muse.
We often find ourselves reminiscing about events that have not yet occurred but are keenly desired or anticipated. These "memories of the future" can manifest as daydreams, visualizations, or even premonitions that shape our decisions, actions, and expectations therefore we usually forget to live in the moment. Manuel Bernardi proposed that we reflect on the presence to discover its timeless beauty that cannot be duplicated. Nature, with its cyclic patterns and ever-changing beauty, plays an intriguing role in artist works.
As we witness the changing seasons and observe the ebb and flow of life around us, we are reminded that the future is not just a distant abstraction but an integral part of the natural world. The blooming of flowers in spring, the abundance of harvest in summer, the shedding of leaves in autumn, and the hushed stillness of winter all remind us that time's passage is both cyclical and forward-moving. Manueles works are somehow freezing time to capture the essence of unstable beauty that lives only for seconds.
Nature's beauty fuels our aspirations and inspires our future memories. The sight of a pristine sunset, the sound of rustling leaves in a forest, the scent of blooming flowers – these experiences embed themselves in our minds, becoming memories we draw upon when imagining the future. Artist herself envision moments of peace, connection, and serenity, often borrowing from the sensory experiences nature provides. Nature teaches us that not all seasons are predictable, and storms can interrupt the calm. In the same vein, our aspirations and dreams may face unforeseen challenges, reshaping the future we had hoped to create, therefore artists want to present us a moment of happiness that is unchangeable, stable, protected and controlled. It is in the realm of the now that we have the opportunity to craft a life that is deeply enriched by what has come before and beautifully poised for what awaits. By honoring the past and nurturing the future through our actions today, we are architects of continuity, guardians of our legacy, and pioneers of what is yet to unfold. In the tapestry of our lives, there exist moments that hold a unique, almost sacred significance—intimate moments that encapsulate our emotions, connections, and experiences. These moments, often fragile and fleeting, are the threads that weave the fabric of our identities.
Human beings are, by nature, creatures of memory. Our memories shape who we are, influencing our decisions, beliefs, and perspectives. However, memories are not isolated entities; they are intricately tied to the moments that birthed them. Manuele encapsulates the most beautiful of them, to re-experience it again and again. The creation of the artist is not only an aesthetic object, but rather a piece of beauty in the name of nature. The beauty of presence in nature lies in its ability to awaken our senses, inspire awe, and forge a profound connection between ourselves and the natural world. Nature's intricate details also invite us to observe its exquisite craftsmanship. From the delicate petals of a flower to the intricately woven patterns of a spider's web, every element of the natural world is a masterpiece waiting to be discovered and the artist herself just wants to showcase them, celebrate them.
Manuele Bernardi invites the audience to celebrate the beauty of presence in nature as a profound gift that enriches our lives in ways that are difficult to quantify. Artist remind us of the splendor that exists beyond the confines of our screens and schedules, inviting us to step into a world of sensory wonder and timeless connection. The cyclic patterns and transformative beauty of the natural world mirror our anticipation of what lies ahead. As we navigate the complexities of time, we find solace and inspiration in nature's rhythms. Just as we reflect on the past to create memories, we draw upon the world around us to paint our future with colors inspired by the world's most exquisite masterpiece – nature itself.
M A N U E L E B E R N A R D I
MEMORIES OF THE FUTURE
S O L O S H O W
Views of the exhibition, Memories of the future by Manuèle Bernardi