Here Is Where We Meet: An Exhibition Featuring Léon Ferrari and Aimée Zito Lema's Vision

This exhibition presents a small display of works by Argentinian artist Léon Ferrari, curated as a 'footnote' exhibition by Aimée Zito Lema. It explores the relationship between image and language in the context of resistance, drawing connections between Zito Lema's research and Ferrari's critical engagement with Western civilization, dictatorship, and the role of the church.

This presentation, titled 'Here Is Where We Meet', focuses on Argentinian artist Léon Ferrari (1920-2013) and his connection to contemporary artist Aimée Zito Lema. Zito Lema grew up with Ferrari's work and, during a lockdown period, delved into his oeuvre again, discovering further connections relevant to her own research. This led to the concept of a 'footnote exhibition' of Ferrari's work, specifically highlighting his exploration of the relationship between image and language within the context of resistance. The seven works on paper by Ferrari displayed in the College Room address his critique of Western, Christian civilization's influence on South America, the periods of dictatorship in Argentina, and the church's complicity. His work, including poems, collages, and a letter to the Pope, warns against cruelty masked by kindness. Ferrari's personal life, his relationship with religion, and geopolitical developments are recognizable themes. One notable piece, 'Letter to a General' (1963), questions the meaning of an illegible letter, later proving predictive of Argentina's military coups. Ferrari himself reflected on the difficulty of writing a reasonable letter to a general, choosing illegible script as a way to express his anger against illegitimate authority when direct artistic insult felt insufficient, emphasizing how the 'way of writing, drawing words, is part of their meaning.'

Information about tickets for visiting the Oude Kerk can be found via the provided link to the ticketing system.