UPDATE: The highly anticipated exhibition, Collapsed Utopias – Works Interrupted, by artist Nina Sanadze, opens today at the Goldstone Gallery. This urgent showcase features 22 sculptures that confront the violent disruptions faced by Jewish artists following the events of October 7, 2023.
Sanadze aims to evoke a “state that is both meditative and deeply immersive,” drawing inspiration from the archive of Valentin Toporidze, a monumental sculptor from Soviet Georgia. The exhibition uniquely highlights how the Jewish artistic community has been forcibly interrupted, transforming raw historical wounds into a powerful artistic statement.
The sculptures have been left abandoned mid-creation, symbolizing the emotional and creative turmoil experienced by artists who felt cast out and betrayed by their communities. In her own journey, Sanadze has faced personal attacks, including being doxxed and harassed, after condemning the recent Hamas-led massacre. This backdrop fuels her commitment to amplifying Jewish voices through her role as curator at Goldstone Gallery, which was established earlier this year.
Sanadze emphasizes that the arrangement of the works invites a journey of discovery. “The experience is intended to feel like an encounter with a ghost of the past,” she states. Each sculpture acts as a fragment of memory, emotion, and meaning, guiding visitors through a landscape of both history and contemporary relevance.
The gallery’s website describes the exhibition as “both document and defiance,” showcasing how the remnants of Toporidze’s work have been reimagined within a modern Australian context. “What do these forms mean now, in today’s history and landscape? What can they teach us?” Sanadze questions, inviting deeper reflection from her audience.
The exhibition runs from July 31 – August 28, and promises to be a transformative experience. Sanadze articulates her vision: “Once you’ve seen it, once it has touched you, you can’t unsee it. It shifts the way you see the present, and perhaps even your future.”
For those eager to witness this compelling narrative of resilience and artistic reclamation, visit goldstonegallery.com for more information. This exhibition is not just an art show; it’s a powerful commentary on the impact of violence on creativity and identity. Don’t miss out on this urgent and impactful experience.
