Arsen Revazov, born Russia, lives Italy & Israel, 1966)
Unseen Battlefields: First Part. This project focuses on eleven specific locations that, while appearing as quiet woods, empty fields, or silent shorelines today, were once the sites of legendary historical battles. Through infrared film a medium Revazov has mastered since 2010 he reveals “invisible light” and transforms ordinary landscapes into surreal, dreamlike scenes.
This aesthetic research serves as a conceptual critique on the absurdity of war. Revazov explores two main themes: the inevitable transience of history and the strategic dynamics of conflict. On one hand, he asks why: why all this? What happened to those who fought and died here? How could this quiet place have been filled with crowds and shouting? On the other, he investigates who chose this terrain, what was the strategy, the troops deployed, the objective, the result.
Both lines of inquiry converge to the same silence. Revazov reminds us that every war, regardless of its perceived importance or the number of casualties, eventually ends in a peace treaty and silence. Given the complexity of the subject, the overall work is divided into a first and a second part. Unseen Battlefields: First Part is also accompanied by a dedicated photographic and documentary book, featuring an introductory text by Revazov himself, period paintings connected to each battle, and reconstructions of troop movements through historical battle maps.
To be seen at the gallery: Angelo Gallo, LIBERA CIRCOLAZIONE ENTRO FRAGILI CONFINI till 09 May
www.dechiricogalleriadarte.com
John Devos
johndevos.photo (a) gmail.com
