From October 15 to 31, 2024, the “Les Autres…” (The Others) exhibition will take place in Paris, organized by the Tora and Art Foundation. The goal of the exhibition is to help society overcome fears of the “other” and defeat xenophobia, which remains one of the main problems of modern times.
In European countries and the USA, every second person encounters its manifestations. Political leaders regularly declare their intentions to address this issue, but in practice, they are unable to defeat xenophobia. When politics fails, art comes to the rescue—a powerful tool that speaks a universal language, understood by everyone, regardless of cultural, national, or religious differences. Art has the power to awaken understanding and compassion for what was once perceived as foreign and unfamiliar.
One of the clearest examples of this will be the upcoming traveling exhibition “Les Autres…”, which will become a platform for dialogue. For the Tora and Art Foundation, this is a continuation of its mission. The organization supports projects that bridge Jewish culture and contemporary art. This time, its event will bring together more than 50 artists from different countries under its auspices, representing an incredible diversity of cultural traditions and artistic approaches. Art will once again serve as an effective tool for breaking down barriers built on fear and misunderstanding.
“Les Autres…”: Art as a Bridge Between Cultures
The title of the exhibition “Les Autres…” was not chosen by chance. It is a reference to the famous quote by the renowned existentialist Jean-Paul Sartre: “Hell is other people.” Inspired by this idea, the organizers and participants of the exhibition will invite viewers to reflect on how xenophobia and the fear of “others” shape our perception of the world.
This fear, which underlies many social conflicts, has become one of the key themes in contemporary art. “Les Autres…,” in turn, offers a view of this phenomenon through the lens of art, opening new ways of understanding and perceiving otherness. The exhibition, inspired by philosophical and artistic heritage, will present a provocative collection of works by well-known contemporary artists, addressing the themes of xenophobia, identity, and drawing a parallel between the boundaries of what is considered art and what truly is art.
Paris has become the ideal platform for hosting “Les Autres….” Since the 19th century, movements like Impressionism challenged academic norms in painting, while artists like Marcel Duchamp and the Dadaists radically redefined the very concept of art. These artists not only broke aesthetic rules but also sought to change the way society perceives the world around it.
Today, contemporary art continues this tradition. It explores and breaks down the barriers that divide us into “us” and “them.” The exhibition, organized by the Tora and Art Foundation, under the patronage of philanthropist Igor Rotenberg, allows modern artists to carry forward the legacy of their predecessors, offering a new vision of how art can help us tackle xenophobia and other social issues.
Masters of Dialogue
Each of the more than fifty artists whose works will be presented at “Les Autres…” has already gained recognition among discerning audiences and requires no special introduction. However, we will still take the opportunity to highlight a few of them.
Michael Bielicky seems to be forging a path between the world of technology and human existence. His works, like living mirrors, reflect our interaction with digital technologies, raising questions about how they change our perception of ourselves and the world around us. These pieces, exhibited in renowned museums such as the Pompidou Center and MoMA, are designed to evoke a sense of both anxiety and admiration as we confront the transformation of identity.
Valery Katsuba transports us to a world where the boundaries of time and space dissolve. His photographs, inspired by classical art, reveal the harmony of the human body in motion, inviting us to connect the past with the present. Katsuba creates living canvases where the human body becomes a language of communication between different cultures and eras.
Kamila Richter, playing with digital distortions, transforms them into something more than just technical glitches. In her works, these disruptions become metaphors for human weaknesses and vulnerabilities. She explores how technology simultaneously destroys and creates new boundaries, making us reflect on the limits of perception in a world of modern transformation.
Oleg Kulik, known for his radical performances, challenges society’s conventional norms. In his provocative actions, he explores the limits of human identity, creating metaphors where man confronts his instincts and fears. Kulik breaks down the boundaries between man and nature, prompting viewers to ponder what truly lies behind the mask of civilized behavior.
Elena Kovylina, in her works, raises issues of social isolation and marginalization, exposing the hidden mechanisms of societal exclusion. Her performances invite dialogue about how society determines who is “inside” and who remains “outside.” Kovilina elicits an emotional response from her audience, provoking deep reflection on the boundaries of social norms.
Julien Spiewak, a French photographer, explores the body as a tool of art through his works. In his series “Corps de Style”, he highlights how the physical presence of a person can be not only an object of admiration but also a key to understanding the deeper aspects of identity. Spiewak creates a space for dialogue between the visual perception of the body and the internal world of the individual.
Boris Bernaskoni is an architect who boldly blurs the boundaries between architecture and art. His projects transform public spaces, offering new forms of interaction between people and the architectural environment. He demonstrates how buildings can become places where cultures meet, creating a space for dialogue and communication.
During the exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in lectures, workshops, and discussions that will help them gain a deeper understanding of the themes presented. The dialogue between artists, curators, and the audience will become a key part of the exhibition. There is confidence that this “assembly” of masters of artistic dialogue will offer a new approach to solving global problems and will truly demonstrate that art can break down barriers and unite people where other means of communication fail.
