The questionable Aristotelian idea that humans are rational animals can easily bring us to a different conclusion thinking that the only breakthrough we have achieved until today was to bring science to a high technological level of exclusive dedication to war and discord. Therefore, if we take our present time to notice that we have never stopped fighting for land and territory, this is hard to understand Aristotle arguments as conclusive. In other words, territorial behavior is historically prevalent not only among any other animals but among our own societies and since the beginning of times.
Projet pour un monde (Project for a World), first solo show by Brazilian artist Lula Ricardi in Paris from February 25 to April 10, challenges us to reflect about human behavior, territoriality, conflicts, and violence: all aspects of human conduct that put together build a socio-political reality of different countries on Earth.
By presenting a body of mixed media artworks including images, drawing, collage, painting and sewing, Lula Ricardi’s art pieces present us symbolical, metaphorical, and imaginary countries that together open our eyes to the need of discussing an end for our conflicts. His imaginary territories are allusive to a recognition of our primitivity.
The very political and philosophical engagement of Lula Ricardi plus his artistic practice are constantly dedicated to his fight against global political ignorance.
Territorial conflicts among humans have a long history, dating back to prehistoric times. Early humans, like other animals, were territorial and would defend their territory against intruders. However, as human societies developed and became more complex, territorial conflicts became more organized and systematic.
In ancient times, many conflicts were fought over resources such as land, water, and food. The Roman Empire, for example, fought many wars of conquest to expand its territory and gain control of resources such as fertile land and mineral deposits.
During the colonial era, European powers carved up much of the world into colonies, often leading to conflicts with local populations who resisted foreign rule. In the 20th century, territorial conflicts continued to shape world events, with two World Wars fought over issues of territory and national sovereignty.
Today, territorial conflicts remain a major source of tension and violence in many parts of the world. These conflicts often have complex roots, including issues of ethnic, religious, and cultural identity, as well as economic and political factors.
Artist Lula Ricardi uses his art practice as a powerful tool for discussing and addressing territorial conflicts, by raising awareness, expressing emotions, promoting understanding, creating dialogue, and inspiring positive action.
By creating imaginary territorial conflicts and adding all realistic characteristics to it, his artworks bring humankind to the center of the discussion.
Using collage, drawings, different materials and techniques, Lula Ricardi proposes the discussion of violence from our own human point of view. A violence that is firstly promoted by us and against our own selves to then generate all political and social disappointments to our societies.
Welcome to our Parisian space to visit this intriguing solo show and visit our website and Artsy spaces to get more details about Lula Ricardi’s first solo show in Paris.
The history of guns begins in China in the 9th century, with the invention of gunpowder. However, it was not until the 14th century that guns as we know them today began to appear in Europe and the development or acquisition of sophisticated machine guns and armaments became an important subject to all countries on Earth.
Important modern and contemporary artists have used guns in their artworks like Andy Warhol – who was known for incorporating images of guns into his works like the Gun series from the 1980s featuring oversized, brightly colored images of guns on canvas. Robert Longo who created The Death Star, an art piece made from 40,000 .30 caliber bullets used in AR-10 assault rifles. Jenny Holzer – who is mostly known for her text-based artworks but has also featured images of guns to comment on issues related to violence and power. Furthermore, Edward Ruscha on Gunpowder and Stains series from the 1970s, featured abstract shapes and stains that resemble gunshots, and Damien Hirst with his Bullet Hole series featuring canvases that are covered in bullet holes, suggesting themes of violence and destruction. Those are only some examples of machine guns reflecting deeper cultural values and beliefs related to power, domination, and aggression.
Going beyond symbolism, discussing the social-political impacts of these powerful representations, Brazilian artist Lula Ricardi creates his series entitled Projet pour un monde proposing guns and armaments as real characteristics of conflict among human societies.
Lula Ricardi uses machine guns and armaments not only as metaphors but as symbols, reflecting the ongoing prevalence of violence and conflict in modern America, throughout those objects.
By employing collage, drawing and mix media, Lula Ricardi turns his critique on issues related to power, politics and human behavior, proving that the whole military-industrial complex of the world is tied to political and economic power.
Ricardo Fernandes, 2023