EMERGING OF EURYDICE

23.07.2025 

"Ubi amor, ibi lux; et procula tenebris, oritur luce."

"Where there is love, there is light; and far from darkness, light is born." (Ovid, Metamorphoses, Book X)

"EMERGING" is an annual event by MADS, dedicated to emerging artists and known for exploring the cha lenges and hopes within the art world. This year, the concept is inspired by the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, using Eurydice’s story to reflect on the perils and cha lenges of emerging as an artist.

The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice te ls of how Orpheus, in his despair over Eurydice’s death, descendsinto the underworld to bring her back to life. However, he loses her forever when he turns to look at her, thus breaking the condition imposed by the gods. This story becomes a powerful metaphor for young artists who face pres ure and obstacles as they try to emerge in the art world, often torn between hope and hardship.

This year’s concept of "EMERGING" explores how the hope and determination of artists can be tested by the uncertainties and cha lenges of their artistic journey. The exhibition aims to reflect on the aspirations of artists and the difficulties encountered on their path toward recognition and success.

References from art history: Jean-Michel Basquiat, with his expres ive and powerful style, represented struggle and ambition in his work, confronting the dif iculties of the art world and society. Another pressing question for today’s artists is: what role do they take on in the age of AI? Do they embrace it? Reject it?

We invite artists to reflect on their experiences and aspirations through the theme "EMERGING: The Story of Eurydice." The exhibition is an opportunity to explore and expres the cha lenges and hopes of their artistic path. Each artist is encouraged to convey, through their work, the difficulties and achievements of the process of emerging, mirroring Orpheus's struggle and the loss of Eurydice. The exhibition is open to a l forms of art, of eringa stage to explore and celebrate the resilience and determination of emerging artists.

Concept by Mara Cipriano Senior Art Curator