From August 31st to October 5th, 2024, Galerie Anne Barrault proudly presents the first solo exhibition of the talented artist Euridice Zaituna Kala, titled “En quelques gestes: as if two suns were setting.” This exhibition delves into the intricate relationship between urban architecture and the natural environment, emphasizing how human activities have shaped and exploited the urban landscape.
Euridice Zaituna Kala, the recipient of the prestigious Villa Albertine research residency for 2022/2023, embarks on a journey to highlight the complex interplay between New York City’s architecture and its inherent connection to water. Her work seeks to unveil the historical and contemporary dynamics of domination rooted in colonial history and introduces the compelling concept of the liquid city. Through an extensive study of New York City’s topography, Kala examines its environment, urban layout, buildings, and inhabitants, with a particular focus on the pivotal role of water. Water, a defining element that envelops the city, serves as a living boundary, delineating the extent of human control over nature.
Continuing her exploration of archival materials, Euridice Zaituna Kala delves into the historical narrative of New York City. She investigates how the city’s development has been intricately tied to the concealment of its water sources, from its indigenous origins through colonization. The Lenape nation, the original inhabitants, once lived in a landscape characterized by hills and rivers, which urban planning has since transformed into the flat terrain dominated by towering skyscrapers. The name Manhattan itself derives from “MannaHatta,” meaning “the island of many hills,” a stark contrast to its current skyline.
Kala’s research into contemporary architecture as a form of soft power zeroes in on Manhattan’s luxury residential skyscrapers and the social housing projects predominantly occupied by Black and Latin American communities. Her work reveals the stark social inequalities mirrored in the city’s architecture: while skyscrapers soar into the sky, symbolizing affluence and power, modest neighborhoods grapple with the rising waters exacerbated by climate change.
The art pieces showcased in this exhibition are the culmination of Kala’s extensive research and creative endeavors during her residency in New York City. They offer a thought-provoking reflection on the complex relationships between architecture, social inequality, and the natural world. Visitors to Galerie Anne Barrault will be treated to a compelling visual and intellectual experience that challenges conventional perceptions of urban landscapes and their intrinsic ties to history and nature.
Galerie Anne Barrault
51 Rue des Archives, 75003 Paris, France