Yto Barrada's DEADHEAD at Fondazione Merz Explores Color Theory and Natural Dyes

In Turin, the Fondazione Merz is set to showcase DEADHEAD, a solo exhibition featuring Moroccan-French artist Yto Barrada. Curated by Davide Quadrio and Giulia Turconi in partnership with the MAO (Museo d’Arte Orientale), the exhibition will run from February 20 to May 18, 2025. The title refers to the gardening technique of removing dead flower heads to encourage new growth. The display includes Barrada's films, sculptures, installations, textiles, and prints, with new pieces highlighted. A significant aspect of the exhibition is Barrada's exploration of Emily Noyes Vanderpoel, known for her color theory in Color Problems (1902). Her series Color Analysis, previously featured at MAO in Trad u/i zioni d’Eurasia (2023-24), showcases hand-dyed velvet grids inspired by Vanderpoel's work. The natural dyes were created at Barrada's ecofeminist campus, The Mothership, in Tangier. A catalogue by hopefulmonster will accompany the exhibition, furthering the collaboration between Fondazione Merz and MAO.