Land of the Lotus-Eaters

Exhibition Details

"Land of the Lotus-Eaters" – July 1 to September 4, 2022

Location: Louise Alexander Gallery, Porto Cervo, Sardinia

The epic poem The Odyssey presents a reimagined world, transporting readers through an extraordinary journey across land, sea, and air. Interwoven with mythology, literature, and art history, Homer’s tale remains a cornerstone of storytelling.

At the heart of The Odyssey, King Odysseus recounts his ten-year struggle to return home. His memories are an intricate mix of dramatized encounters and transformed Mediterranean landscapes. He speaks of meeting cyclopes, sirens, and the six-headed monster Scylla. Among the most intriguing figures are the Lotus-Eaters, men who abandon reason in pursuit of pure hedonism, lost to the seductive comforts of an intoxicating paradise.

Concept and Themes

Land of the Lotus-Eaters is a summer group exhibition that explores the interplay between the natural world and romanticized ideals of escape. The show invites viewers to step into Homer’s allegorical journey, from the stormy waters of philosophical conflict to the tranquil shores of Sophrosyne, the Ancient Greek concept of a clear, balanced mind.

The artworks on display contrast soft landscapes and languid figures with vibrant, psychedelic ceramics, textiles, and paintings. These elements reflect the duality of island life, the alluring tranquility of paradise set against the untamed and often unforgiving terrain.

Held in Sardinia, a location believed to have inspired Homer’s island of the Laestrygonians, the exhibition is immersed in an atmosphere of ancient Mediterranean mysticism. The island’s rugged coastline, windswept cliffs, and turbulent seas serve as a fitting backdrop for an artistic journey rich with symbolism and sensory exploration.

Featured Artists

The exhibition includes works by both established and emerging artists:

Christina Forrer, Sophie von Hellermann, Anya Paintsil, Uwe Henneken, Amy Bessone, JP Munro, and Peter Böhnisch.