Strangeness of Beauty

The Strangeness of Beauty project explores the interconnected aesthetic of strangeness in beauty, drawing parallels with the challenges faced by humanity during the pandemic. It was curated by Ziba Ardalan and featured contributions from artists and other art professionals.

Format: Hardback
Publication date: 30 September 2021
Publisher: Mousse Publishing

When delusion and reality merge in an unthinkable combination, it can lead to a profound sense of strangeness and disorientation. Our initial reaction to such occurrences is often one of shock, as we struggle to comprehend the merging of seemingly incompatible elements. However, thoughtful reflection can gradually replace the initial shock, allowing us to make sense of the experience and learn from it. Time plays a crucial role in the process, as it allows us to reflect on the incident and gain a deeper understanding of its meaning. The Strangeness of Beauty project, inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's short story "Ligeia," explores the interconnected aesthetic of strangeness in beauty. The project, curated by Ziba Ardalan, featured thoughtful contributions from artists, the wider art community, and Ziba Ardalan herself. It was presented in 2021 as a digital magazine in twelve themed weekly issues, and it explored the concept of beauty in art and in our own practice. The project drew parallels with the unprecedented challenges faced by humanity during the pandemic, highlighting the intriguing element of strangeness that makes the experience of true interest and value. The Strangeness of Beauty project featured contributions from a diverse range of artists and art professionals, including Maria Thereza Alves, Carla Arocha, Aline Asmar dAmman, Heather Bause Rubinstein, Oliver Beer, Luca Berta, Aaron Cezar, Richard Deacon, Jimmie Durham, Cecilia Edefalk, Carlos Garaicoa, Francesca Giubilei, Thomas Hirschhorn, Katy Moran, Si On, Sam Samiee, Stéphane Schraenen, Rayyane Tabet, Jakub Julian Zió?kowski, and many others. Their contributions explored the various ways in which beauty appears in art and in our own lives, and how it is often the intriguing element of strangeness that makes the experience of true interest and value. The Strangeness of Beauty project was a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of embracing the strangeness of beauty in our lives. It demonstrated that thoughtful reflection can help us to make sense of the unexpected and learn from it, even in the most challenging of times.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 171 x 239 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788867494910