Inloco Initiative announces the opening of Inloco Storage, marking its global debut in Dubai as an entirely new form of art representation. The event is initiated by “The Idealized City,” the first solo exhibition of contemporary artist Filippo Minelli in the UAE. Based on the concept of art intervention, this inaugural exposition offers a critical exploration of urban and cultural transformations framing identity in the post-globalization era.
“The subject came to me after working in various cities on different continents, which, like the place I was born, are rapidly changing landscapes that continually remix references. However, I developed the installation after Inloco Talks 2023, where urbanists, architects, curators, and other professionals shared ideas about identity in relation to space and city-making. It was a great opportunity for me to deepen my understanding of their thinking and find connections between it and my past research.”
Filippo Minelli, Contemporary Artist
Filippo Minelli’s practice challenges the construction and deconstruction of narratives framing recognition. “The Idealized City” examines the role of architectural and urban elements in personal and collective self-formation, particularly in the context of the globalized world. The exhibition draws on historical perspectives, contrasting Leon Battista Alberti’s Renaissance ‘Ideal City’ with Al-Farabi’s ‘Virtuous City’ (Madinat al-Fadilah), to explore modern urbanism and its departure from past models. As mentioned, the multidisciplinary project was also partially inspired by Inloco Talks 2023, where prominent speakers like Khaled Al Alawadi, Associate, Professor of Sustainable Urbanism, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Khalifa University, and George Katodrytis, Professor of Architecture, at American University of Sharjah, explored Dubai’s evolving landscape, its vibrant and transformative power, and its leadership role in shaping modern cityscapes.
The exhibition addresses the uniformity in urban development across various global regions, contrasting it with the distinct cultural and historical identities of ancient city centers, now relegated to tourist attractions. This juxtaposition serves as a basis for questioning the contemporary meanings of ‘authenticity’ and ‘collective identity’.
“The Idealized City” reflects on the rich influence of Bedouin traditions and nomadic practices in the Gulf Region’s urban development, highlighting their role in the contemporary landscape as an alternative to traditional preservation methods.
Utilizing photography, video, and installation art, Filippo Minelli creates an immersive environment that extends into the digital realm. The exhibition encourages viewers to engage with themes of introspection, authenticity, and the representation of reality in the digital age.
