If you’ve ever visited or lived in a foreign country – truly foreign – you might have felt the strange looks of people on you. You might have felt different but wanted to belong.
In a world where people are often divided into “us” and “them”, locals and foreigners, even the tiniest gesture of friendliness shines bright.
This is what, in my view, the recent exhibition at the Gallery of Fine Arts in Split, titled “Golden Dreams” by Split-based Japanese artist Saeri Kiritani is about.
As Branko Franceschi, the curator of the exhibition explains: “Through her performances, Kiritani, as a newcomer, addresses the people of Split with universally comprehensible symbolism of gold as an emanation and desire for all things good, bright, valuable, and powerful.”
The artist covered various types of balls in gold paint, went to the beach, and played picigin with the locals. She also visited the role-playing legionnaires at the Golden Gate of Diocletian’s Palace and played a friendly game of catch with them. All the while wearing a traditional kimono and distinctive white face makeup. She stuck out like a sore thumb, but was accepted nonetheless.
The exhibition documents these games in videos with dreamlike music playing in the background and the golden balls themselves (symbols of prosperity and wealth) scattered across the floor, just inviting you to play with them.
It’s moments like Saeri’s “Golden Dreams” that give you hope that the world isn’t as cold as you thought it was…
Location: Gallery of Fine Arts, Split
Time: 11.1. – 11.2.2024