Zhanna Kadyrova's Animalier Exhibition in Tuscany

Ukrainian artist Zhanna Kadyrova (born 1981 in Brovary) presents 'Animalier' at Villa Pacchiani in Santa Croce sull'Arno, Tuscany, as part of the ongoing Arte – Impresa – Territorio project. The exhibition, curated by Ilaria Mariotti, features works made from leather, a material integral to Tuscan identity, sourced from partner Alpa S.p.A., a chemical company in the tanning sector for over sixty years. Kadyrova, previously seen at the 58th Venice Biennale in Ralph Rugoff's exhibition, continues her exploration of historical and social dynamics through repurposed materials—there tiles from abandoned buildings, here leather. The show transforms animal hides, a byproduct of slaughter, into precious objects, highlighting ecological and social thought. Displays include trees with real and leather leaves, photographs of animals (geese, chickens, horses) wearing costumes, and reproductions of pelts of non-huntable species like leopard and cheetah. A video concludes the exhibition, showing costumed animals in urban settings. The project annually invites an international artist to collaborate with a local company; previous participants include Nari Ward and Moataz Nasr. CEO Gloria Gualtieri of Alpa emphasized the paradox of creating desirable objects from waste. The exhibition is presented as a fable playing on paradoxes, addressing humanity's need to reinvent dwindling materials.