Molino&Lucidi's 'The Sweat Museum' Opens at AVTO Istanbul

The artist duo Molino&Lucidi (Simona Molino and Matteo Lucidi) present 'The Sweat Museum' at AVTO, a non-profit independent space in Istanbul, running until May 4, 2018. The exhibition explores sweat as a fundamental human and political element, highlighting efforts and struggles in daily life. Works include images of historical moments such as the Nixon-Kennedy debate and a match between Ronaldo and Maradona, where sweat betrayed tension and effort. The duo, trained in Milan and based in Germany since 2009, were chosen by gallerist Sarp Özer for their critical and detached representation of society. Özer notes that Istanbul is a difficult, transforming city where discontent and fear keep people indoors, making it crucial to open spaces offering new perspectives. The contemporary art scene in Istanbul saw a boom until 2013, but shifted from liberal to authoritarian governance, causing many spaces to close due to economic hardship. The Beyoğlu/Galata district remains a hub, while cities like Diyarbakir and Ankara are neglected.