Anna Ruth, Luca Vanello, Panos Profitis, Weird Double, at 10N Gallery, Mahon Menorca.

Weird Double by Anna Ruth, Luca Vanello, and Panos Profitis, curated by Jerome Nicod, at 10N Gallery, Mahon Menorca, 17/07/2024 – 24/08/2024.

The concept of the “double” is prevalent across all cultures and mythologies, symbolizing dualism, inner conflict, and interconnectedness. In mythology, twins often signify two halves of a whole, embodying contrasting qualities like male/female, good/evil, or sun/moon. Featuring the visionary works of Anna Ruth, Luca Vanello, and Panos Profitis, this exhibition explores the concept of the “double”. It delves into the intersections of nature, mythology, and technology, offering a multi-faceted lens through which we can contemplate the complexities of human existence.

Anna Ruth’s work is atmospheric and embedded in romantic medieval references. Parts of characters’ heads or eyes are often depicted crying or in acts of intense lamentation, creating psychological tension and linking us to our own introspection. Focusing on the dynamics between characters and their mirrored reflections in water, these figures prompt viewers to ponder the psychological construction of the self. The presence of mythical characters like Harpies in Ruth’s work adds depth to the theme of duality, while architectural elements in her compositions blur the line between painting and physical space.

Luca Vanello’s sculptures envision a symbiosis between organic elements and synthetic materials. His works challenge the boundaries of ecosystems, creating preserved artifacts that blur the lines between the natural and the artificial. Through a meticulous process, Vanello extracts and replaces the fluids of plants with resins, resulting in mummified, feather-like residues. His sculptures provoke conversations about the evolving relationship between nature and technology.

Panos Profitis brings a historical and mythological dimension to the concept of duality, drawing on Hellenistic Greece and modern industrial materials. His cast aluminum sculptures combine timeless references with modern artifacts, creating dialogues between past and present. Through this fusion, Profitis reflects on socio-political struggles and propaganda, encouraging viewers to consider the enduring influence of the past on contemporary life.