Firetti Contemporary is pleased to present a solo exhibition of monumental artworks by international sculptor Helidon Xhixha in occasion of its first opening show. Two stainless steel sculptures entitled Iceberg and Earthwill be at the center of the exhibition standing as an astounding manifesto in support of the awareness of Global Warming and the melting of polar glaciers.
An artist whose sculptural practice has gone from strength to strength – Helidon Xhixha’s Iceberg installations convey the intense sense of wonder that characterize his outlook and attitude towards art.
With an approach that is the result of an artistic upbringing, a formal education and the artist’s own instinctive, creative drive, Xhixha presents us with a grand spectacle: Art which challenges its audience. Not simply through its sheer scale and mass but through its engagement with ideas of fundamental importance.
The floating installation ICEBERG by Helidon Xhixha was first exhibited in the middle of the Venetian lagoon in occasion of the 56th Venice Biennale in 2015. A four meter high stainless steel sculpture, captivated audiences, garnering much attention from industry professionals and the media alike; as it floated through the Canal Grande and the Venetian lagoon.
This outstanding reflective sculpture made a statement for global warming and the potential impact it could have on a place such as Venice in the near future.
Iceberg in the Gulf - a massive, irregular block of stainless steel, measuring 400 x 200 cm, whose form has been perfectly welded and waterproofed, is structured to float on water in such a way that it follows the movement of the currents and wind - allowing for a continuous variation of luminous projections that the mirrored steel produces.
We can imagine this floating metal block as an actual small iceberg that has detached itself from an icecap and, floating astray, arrived in the Persian Gulf. The view is shocking and aesthetically fascinating, but also clearly represents an alarming ecological warning. The UAE is classified among the categories of countries with highest rate of vulnerability to the potential impacts of climate change in the world resulting in warmer weather, less precipitations and higher sea levels. The UAE recognizes the global responsibility it is committed to and has integrated climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
The installation stands in support of the engagement of the country in its fight against this disastrous phenomenon for the well-being of future generations.
An objection could be made that the sculpture’s medium, having come from an industrial process that contributes to Global Warming means an obvious contradiction occurs, between the symbolic purpose and material nature of the artwork. Such a contradiction is unavoidable - the art world is part of our reality and so reflects the contradictions of every-day life. This is a point that creates a truly problematic and culturally significant tension.
These aspects are common in numerous artworks. More specifically, the fact that a monumental, steel sculpture has been made to float and move, in contrary to its heavy weight and usual static nature, is almost ironic and contradictory in itself and invites us to reflect on the most experimental practices of sculptural expression.
Earth - Parallel to the environmental message, Earth provokes thoughts on the impact of climate change, a global problem that will affect every individual on each of the seven continents of the world. The installation Earth works in conjunction with Iceberg, acting as its terrestrial counterpoint, and memorializes the continued damage we inflict upon the planet.
It is without a doubt that the vision required to realize such great artworks is the hallmark of a great artist and with the completion of these works, Helidon Xhixha joins the long, prestigious tradition of public, environmental art.
Xhixha has done his part, creating art that uses its beauty to incite positive dialogues on issues that need to be addressed. It is now up to you, the audience, to make sure the message reaches as far as possible and inspires as many as possible. Art needs its audience to invigorate change.
Using innovative techniques developed over the course of his career, Helidon creates sculptures that captivate with their beauty.
It is not enough for art to be driven exclusively by strong concepts; central to contemporary art is the communication of ideas. The fascinating aesthetics of Iceberg and Earth all serve to communicate its meaning – without them it would not engage its viewers, its ecological message would be lost.