The art world is buzzing with excitement as Sallisa Rosa introduces her monumental ceramic work, “Topography of Memory,” at Miami Beach. This marks a significant milestone for Rosa, as it’s her debut solo showcase in the United States and her most ambitious ceramic project to date. The exhibition, presented by Audemars Piguet Contemporary and curated by Thiago de Paula Souza, invites the public to a unique experience from December 5th to 17th at Collins Park Rotunda in conjunction with the esteemed Art Basel Miami Beach.
“Topography of Memory” is a journey through tactile memory and grounded presence. Rosa, born in 1986 in Goiânia, Brazil, has constructed a strikingly immersive landscape that beckons visitors to engage both physically and mentally. Picture a space where the earth rises to meet the sky: stalagmite-like floor sculptures and spherical forms suspended above, glowing in an ethereal amber light, enveloped by a gentle mist. It’s an artistic universe where the underground meets the cosmos.
The installation is profoundly personal and global, inspired by the erosion of physical land and the fading memories of Rosa’s own family history. It challenges visitors to reflect on their connection to memory, land, and identity, leveraging the power of ceramics as a vessel for storytelling and remembrance.
Rosa’s narrative is a tapestry woven from her Brazilian heritage and her quest to understand her lineage, with the poignant memory of her grandmother playing a pivotal role. Her work spans photography, video, performance, and installations, often incorporating locally sourced clay as a signature medium. This material, she believes, harbors a profound link to the land and the myriad stories it holds.
“Topography of Memory is an immersive installation in which the earth takes centre stage. The earth is the place of memory. While shaping the clay, I encoded memories into each piece, turning them into extracorporeal memories. People can move through the work, and my intention is that this movement will activate collective memory.” Sallisa Rosa, Artist
Following her recent move to Amsterdam for the prestigious Rijksakademie residency, Rosa continues to explore the bond between culture and community. Her art is a conduit for collaboration, embodying Audemars Piguet Contemporary’s ethos that art is a binding force among people.
The exhibit is not just a testament to Rosa’s evolving artistry but also a celebration of Thiago de Paula Souza’s curatorial acumen. With his rich background in Brazilian contemporary art, Souza has helped shape the exhibition into a dialogue between Rosa’s work and a global audience.
After its stint in Miami, “Topography of Memory” will travel to the Pinacoteca de São Paulo, extending its reach and allowing more audiences to ponder the interplay of art, memory, and earth. This is an opportunity to witness the convergence of artistic innovation and cultural reflection, a dialogue that continues to resonate within the global community.
“It has been a wonderful experience to collaborate with Sallisa and Thiago on this commission. Audemars Piguet Contemporary is proud to support this milestone in her practice and to share this work with the cultural community gathered in Miami. We are excited for the public to experience the installation and be transported by the equally beautiful and emotionally-charged landscape that Sallisa has created.” Denis Pernet, Art Curator, Audemars Piguet Contemporary.
Find out more about “Topography of Memory” and Audemars Piguet Contemporary.
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