Visual artist Lia Pannetier explores the theme of vengeance through a series of painted portraits inspired by testimonies of abuse and resilience.
Developed from in-depth interviews, the exhibition transforms these intimate stories into powerful visual narratives, questioning justice, anger, and the emotional repercussions of violence.
Accompanied by a concert echoing the themes of the exhibition, the event creates a dialogue between image and sound, exploring art’s ability to give form to experiences that are often difficult to express. The opening reception features a concert by Tijana Knezevic, a mezzo-soprano singer who performs the figures of Medea and Armida in a Baroque program exploring the theme of “Vengeances.”
“Healing from trauma is neither linear nor moral. When harm is done, victims are often expected to forgive or to turn the other cheek in order to heal. Yet not all of us are ready to move beyond, bury, or erase resentment, disgust, hatred, fear, or frustration. These emotions are not faults to be corrected, but living and necessary reactions. Rather than suppressing them, this project proposes moving through them through creation. I create a space where these feelings can be experienced, expressed, and purged, without any obligation of forgiveness or reconciliation. This exhibition and concert are built around the testimonies of the resident artists, who were invited to develop their own ‘revenge.’ Through painting and music, each work becomes a way of restoring dignity to a past self. Since real revenge is impossible, the act of creation becomes the only space where one can, by oneself and for oneself, reclaim one’s own dignity.” — Lia Pannetier
