Farthan. Die Etrusker sind hier

From June 11th to July 10th 2010 the Dussmann das KulturKaufhaus in Berlin will host an innovative exhibition, a “specular reflection” between archaeology and contemporary art. Opening times are Monday to Saturday, from 12:00 to 8:00 pm.

‘Farthan, the Etruscans are here’ shows next to important archaeological finds, works of contemporary art providing a modern-day interpretation of the ‘Farthan’, an Etruscan word meaning genius, vitality and creative force.

The selected materials, kindly loaned by the Superintendence for Archaeological Heritage of Tuscany, provide a comprehensive insight into the distinguishing features of the Etruscan civilization that flourished in Tuscany between the 8th and the 2nd century B.C. A great civilization that, unlike other ancient civilizations, passed into history leaving behind it impressive traces and a fascinating culture but almost no own words.  It’s as if the Etruscans chose to become completely absorbed in life with no interest for their posterity. An unusual attitude as the powers that be typically do not dislike going down in history.

The displayed findings evoke a sense of attention and love for life, even after death. An example is the Sphinx of Chiusi, the heir of a millenary Mediterranean tradition with roots in Egypt and Mesopotamia. The Etruscan passion for life is reflected in it so strongly to awaken a great imagination in us modern viewers. However, the exhibition also introduces us to other topical areas: the Villanovan urn from Vetulonia gives us an idea of the primitive dwellings of the Etruscans. The images of richly dressed and jewellery adorned female figures are a testimony to the emancipation of the Etruscan woman. The various vessels and equipment are evidence of the Etruscan social ritual of the banquet and symposium. Warrior in full armour from Brolio provides insights into the world of Etruscan elite.

In high-quality crafts, the Etruscans have processed a variety of materials: alabaster from Volterra, travertine from Chiusi, terracotta, gold, bronze and silver. Moreover, the inscriptions appearing on the urns bear testimony to a civilization that was well-acquainted with writing, had an extensive literature (almost no trace of it is preserved to this day unfortunately) and was known for having recorded in writing the precepts of a “revealed” religion.

In direct dialogue with the archaeological finds, the works of Valerio Giovannini are displayed. The young Tuscan artist has been engaged since 2006 with the semiotic and pictorial exploration of Etruscan art and culture. In his work he has employed various techniques and materials (plexiglass, copper, terracotta, gold, paint on canvas) in connection to the cultural elements of the Etruscans. His artworks reflect the relationship of past, present and future and provide new images and meanings.

To emphasize this approach, a video showing images from Tuscan archaeological sites and Etruscan museums will be projected on the large water wall of the Dussmann das KulturKaufhaus, whilst the inner courtyard will house a series of overhead installations as a metaphor of the eternal becoming of archetypes.

The exhibition is accompanied by a fully-illustrated “mirrored” catalogue showing the archaeological finds on the one side and the contemporary works on the other.

We thank all partners for their support: AMAT (Association of the Archaeological Museum of Tuscany),Dussmann Italia in collaboration with the Superintendence for Archaeological Heritage of Tuscany, the National Archaeological Museum of Florence, AICS and Present Art under the patronage of Regione Toscana, State Museums of Berlin and Italian Cultural Institute of Berlin.