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Innovative Art, A Moment With “Angels Listening” by Rachel Lee Hovnanian
It’s no surprise that one of the most innovative art exhibits we have seen in a long time took place at La Biennale di Venezia, known as one of the most renowned cultural institutions in both Italy and the world. For the Biennale Arte 2022 edition, curator Cecilia Alemani declared, “As the first Italian woman to hold this position, I intend to give voice to artists to create unique projects that reflect their visions and our society.” And this is just what happened with the exceptional exhibition titled Angels Listening by Rachel Lee Hovnanian.
People commonly associate the Houston, Texas-raised, now New York and Miami-based artist Rachel Lee Hovnanian with her multidisciplinary pieces that explore complexities within cultural ideals and the impacts of technology. And this innovative work of art, and its message, are ones to remember!
The Exhibition’s Execution and Role of the Viewers
Rachel titled her powerful exhibition Angels Listening—a simple name for an impactful piece. The installation featured seven large cherub angels cast in white bronze, arranged in front of a silver confessional box called La Scotola Cartartica (The Cathartic Box). Rectangular pieces of bronze resembling tape flatten into ‘X’ shapes across each angel’s mouth. Their angles contrasting sharply with the rest of the cherubs’ soft curves.
During the exhibit, viewers were invited to reflect upon their own experiences with truth, silence, and feelings of powerlessness. They had the option to leave their mark by writing their truths and thoughts on a ribbon and submitting them to an accompanying box. The ringing of a bell accompanied this emotional act and “awakened” the angels. The sound of the bell reminded the audience of the angels’ role as listeners in this exhibit.
Afterward, attendants removed the ribbons from the box and ironed them onto mats. They placed the mats around the gardens near the exhibition to form a collective message from the viewers. These mats emphasized the connection between the truth and feelings heard.
Symbolism of Angels
The symbolism of angels and the number ‘7’ added an extra layer of meaning and impact to this work of art. Angels are present in many religions and have many meanings. Likewise, the number seven has harmonious symbolism in many cultures. Therefore, these components emphasized the contrast between broken and hurt humanity and the supernatural world full of healing and of harmony.
Society and Human Connection
Angels Listening was created to give a voice to the voiceless and empower those who have been hurt. To provide a safe and quiet space away from the chaos of the world for viewers to reflect and release.
“Angels Listening offers a space that transforms hundreds of silenced voices into a chorus of confessions, demonstrating the liberation associated with catharsis and the sanctity of meditative environments in moments of shared isolation,” explained Rachel.
This innovative exhibition beautifully emphasized the thread of human emotions and the power of human connection. Likewise, it also emphasized the ties we have to ourselves and our truths. As such, this exhibit functioned as a space for oppressed people to speak without fear and be free from societal constraints. This exhibition transcended beyond the confines of traditional artistry and redefined art for the new age of media and technology. May such beautiful moments of reflection continue in all our lives!
Explore more of Rachel Lee Hovnanian’s beautiful and powerful work at rachelleehovnanian.com.
Words by Caitlin McClain
Feature Photo by Giovanni Ricci Novara
Article in Love Happens Mag Print Volume 6, The Embracing Individuality & Authenticity Edition
