Ground Break: Nari Ward's Monumental Choreography of Found Narratives
In the heart of Milan, Italy, an extraordinary convergence of art, history, and societal reflection unfolds at the Pirelli HangarBicocca. Here, Jamaican-born, New York-based artist Nari Ward invites visitors on a journey through time, memory, and transformation with his groundbreaking retrospective exhibition titled "Ground Break."
Nari Ward stands as a beacon in the contemporary art world, celebrated for his mastery in weaving together disparate elements to create poignant narratives that resonate with themes of identity, race, social justice, and consumer culture. Through his thirty-year practice, Ward has honed a unique artistic language, drawing from the rich tapestry of found objects and imbuing them with new life and meaning. At the heart of "Ground Break" lies Ward's exploration of performativity, manifested through a captivating interplay of installations, videos, and sculptures. The exhibition marks a milestone as it unveils, for the first time, a fusion of Ward's seminal works alongside new productions, offering visitors a comprehensive view of his artistic evolution.
Central to the exhibition are the monumental installations originally conceived by Ward for Ralph Lemon's Geography Trilogy between 1996 and 2000. These transformative works, long dormant since their original choreographic context, are resurrected within the gallery space, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in their intricate narratives. Here, the boundaries between art and audience blur as visitors become active participants in the unfolding choreography, engaging with the works on a visceral level.
Ward's intentional use of everyday materials infuses the exhibition with a sense of accessibility, allowing viewers to connect intimately with the artworks while contemplating pressing contemporary issues. From the colonial history of Afro-Caribbean communities to the enduring legacy of slavery in America, Ward's installations serve as potent reminders of the complex intersections of past and present. "Ground Break" extends beyond the confines of traditional exhibition spaces, incorporating a dynamic program of live collaborative actions that animate the show with a sense of spontaneity and engagement. Through performances featuring other artists and musicians, Ward catalyzes dialogue around pressing social issues such as inequality, migration, and marginalization, prompting viewers to confront their roles in shaping a more equitable future. Ward's art catalyzes reflection and introspection, inviting viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and envision pathways toward collective transformation.
In essence, "Ground Break" stands as a testament to Nari Ward's unparalleled ability to transcend the confines of conventional artistic practice, weaving together threads of history, memory, and social consciousness into a monumental choreography of found narratives.
NARI WARD, APOLLO/POLL, 2017. INSTALLATION VIEW, SOCRATES SCULPTURE PARK, NEW YORK, 2017. COMMISSIONED BY SOCRATES SCULPTURE PARK, NEW YORK. COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND LEHMANN MAUPIN, NEW YORK, HONG KONG, SEOUL, AND LONDON.
