Only Breath
Not Christian or Jew or Muslim, not Hindu
Buddhist, sufi, or zen. Not any religion
or cultural system. I am not from the East
or the West, not out of the ocean or up
from the ground, not natural or ethereal, not
composed of elements at all. I do not exist,
am not an entity in this world or in the next,
did not descend from Adam and Eve or any
origin story. My place is placeless, a trace
of the traceless. Neither body or soul.
I belong to the beloved, have seen the two
worlds as one and that one call to and know,
first, last, outer, inner, only that
breath breathing human being.
Mewlana Jalaluddin Rumi
'Only Breath' a poem by the Afghan poet Rumi born in 1207, was the inspiration for a site specific installation in the new Energy Revolution Gallery at the Science Museum, London. Conceived and developed by Torus Torus Studio, we celebrated the opening of the new gallery and the inauguration of its centre piece. The project took 18 months from conception to delivery. It has been a pleasure and honour supporting and advising Torus Torus Studio during the working process of this commission.
To watch our video click here
At the core of Only Breath lies a fusion of art and science, incorporating principles of biomimicry and renewable energy technology. The sculpture's tessellating structure, derived from the voronoi algorithm and phyllotaxis spiral, mirrors the efficiency of organic forms, highlighting the importance of nature-inspired sustainable energy production.
From its symbolic spiral motif to its innovative use of two-way mirrors, recycled, recyclable, and reclaimed materials, sourced locally to minimise environmental impact, the sculpture embodies the principles of holistic thinking advocated for in the Energy Revolution Gallery.
Standing as a call to action for global environmental stewardship, Only Breath reminds visitors of the delicate balance we must maintain in our pursuit of a greener, more sustainable future.
Courtesy and ©Alexandra Carr, Colin Rennie of Torus Torus Studio, Science Museum London, and Renée Pfister, 2024. All rights reserved.
MANAR PROJECT ABU DHABI
Earlier this year we returned to the inaugural Manar Project, 'Grounding Light', Abu Dhabi, for its conclusion.
It can be a great joy working outdoors, nevertheless the activity brings operational challenges. On numerous occasions the process had to be stopped due to high winds, creating Health & Safety risks. Sliding on sand, tripping over stones on the beach, became part of the daily routine, a lack of access to proper workspaces for documentation along with toilets and other facilities, and bright sunlight interfering with laptop screens were issues to be dealt with. However, it was is extremely rewarding to provide services for such a fantastic outdoor display which was curated by Reem Fadda, Director of the Cultural Foundation and Culture Programming, Abu Dhabi, and Alia Zaal Lootah, Artistic Director of Public Art Abu Dhabi.
The United Arab Emirates are witnessing a flourishing art scene which reflects the vitality and richness of the nation. It is a testimony to creativity, expression, and the vibrancy of this region cultural heritage and artistic talent.
Courtesy and ©Manar Project, Abu Dhabi; Department of Culture and Tourism; Shezad Dawood, Factum Arte, and Renée Pfister Art & Gallery Consultancy, 2024.
CITY UNIVERSITY - TWO ONLINE COURSES
We are thrilled to announce that Renée Pfister will be running two online courses at City University London, starting in May 2024.
'Curation & Exhibition Management'
For further information click here
'The Business of the Visual Arts'
For further information click here
Courtesy and ©City University and Renée Pfister Art & Gallery Consultancy, 2024.
OSMAN YOUSEFZADA - QUEER FEET
Charleston in Firle, the one-time home of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, became the nucleus of the bohemian Bloomsbury Group. It was the place where its members met and discussed radical new societal concepts. Art, Craft, cutting-edge thinking and writing was at the centre of their artistic and philosophical enquiry, inspiring generations of artists.
To watch our video click here
The Wolfson gallery at Charleston hosted a solo exhibition until 10 March 2024 of work by the British-born South Asian interdisciplinary artist and writer Osman Yousefzada following in this tradition.
Courtesy and ©Osman Yousefzada, Felicity Avenell, Isabel Davis, Wolfson Gallery, Pete Jones and Above Ground Studio (photography) and Renée Pfister Art & Gallery Consultancy 2024.
PINKIE MACLURE - ALLEGORICAL POWER
stained glass window
the many shades
of our life
Blessed Ayeyame, Nigeria
Pinkie Maclure is an award-winning Scottish stained-glass artist and singer who uses the allegorical power of medieval and renaissance stained glass to tell contemporary stories, linking the characters and events of the past with the world today.
To watch our video click here
Originally trained in theatre design and performance, gaining a BA (Hons) and performing as a professional singer for many years. Maclure has worked professionally in stained glass for 25 years and is fascinated by medieval glass, with its extraordinary imagery, complex narratives, dark humour, and fine detail.
Courtesy and ©Pinkie Maclure and Renée Pfister Art & Gallery Consultancy, 2024. All rights reserved.