Curated by WindMill in collaboration with the artists of the Women Visual Artists Database

Me—a teenager?
If she were to suddenly appear before me right here, right now,
should I perhaps greet her as a loved one,
even though she is a stranger to me and far away?

Wisława Szymborska
translated by Pietro Marchesani
from “Due punti/Qui,” Libri Scheiwiller, 2010

The MuBAq Children’s Museum in L’Aquila, thanks to WinMill and the artists from the Women Visual Artists Database, is bringing a project to L’Aquila, the Capital of Culture, on a theme that is far removed from the conventional art world—one that is perhaps uncomfortable but of great interest and engagement for audiences of all generations, whether or not they are accustomed to attending artistic events.
Artists from the Women Visual Artists Database around the world were invited to reflect on this particular experience, drawing on their own personal experiences as well as those of others—such as their children, siblings, and friends.
Each of the 122 artists presents a work—a sort of diptych consisting of a visual component and a textual component, which often blend and merge—making this a unique art project meant to be both seen and read.
Together, the works form a panorama of emotions and memories, of inner conflicts, bearing witness to the changing relationship with one’s own body and mind. A deeply moving story told through images and words, in which people can recognize their own experiences and let themselves be drawn in.
The exhibition project is designed to “travel” to different cities and countries, fostering talks, performances, and audience engagement—particularly with teenagers. At the end of the exhibition, the artworks and their accompanying texts will be compiled into an artist’s book, which will be donated to a public institution. The book will also be published in digital format and available for free download from the website of the non-profit WindMill Association.

FREE ADMISSION