Villa Medici Fellows' Group Show Opens in Rome Despite Pandemic

The French Academy in Rome, Villa Medici, inaugurated its yearly fellows' exhibition, 'Dans le tourbillon du tout-monde,' despite ongoing pandemic challenges. Lorenzo Romito curated the show, which showcases artistic responses to worldwide turmoil. Among the featured works, Benjamin Crotty's interventions blend various disciplines, while Jeanne Vicerial, in collaboration with Leslie Moquin, captures lockdown experiences through selfies with natural elements in 'Quarantaine Vestimentaire.' Other highlights include Sammy Baloji's black-and-white grids, Fanny Taillandier's looping thoughts set to 'Scipione l’Africano,' and François Olislaeger's staircase installation depicting character journeys. Additionally, Valentina Hristova's adaptation of 'Pietà' and Samuel Gratacap's photojournalism on immigration are notable. Sébastien Thiéry advocates for UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.