By: Jennifer Wallace
Narine Arakelian, a renowned Armenian interdisciplinary feminist artist, is proud to announce her latest groundbreaking exhibition, “Metamorphosis of Aphrodite’s Stones,” in Decentraland. This solo exhibition is a revolutionary blend of nature, mythology, and digital innovation, offering a unique, immersive experience in the virtual realm.
Set against the backdrop of the Bay of Aphrodite, rich in Greek and Cypriot mythology, Arakelian’s exhibition is a journey through time, connecting ancient legends with contemporary digital art. At the heart of the exhibition is a captivating performance filmed at the Stone of Aphrodite, where the artist herself swims among these ancient stones, symbolizing the seamless melding of past and present.
Arakelian utilizes the stones, revered in Aphrodite’s legend, as a canvas to explore the convergence of art and technology. This approach transforms them into a renewable resource, embodying a harmonious blend of the natural world and the digital universe, a celebration of the symbiosis between myth and modernity.
Known for her socially conscious art and exploration of gender identity, Arakelian’s “Metamorphosis of Aphrodite’s Stones” is a compelling commentary on the interplay of myth, technology, and the transformative power of art. It invites viewers to challenge their perceptions and reflect on the fusion of tradition and innovation.
Narine Arakelian, is set to captivate the virtual world with the virtual version of her upcoming exhibition, “Metamorphosis of Aphrodite’s Stones,” hosted in the innovative 3D realm of Decentraland before continuing on to a real world exhibition on January 35th at the Museum of Modern Art, Yerevan in Armenia.
This solo exhibition is not just a showcase; it’s a groundbreaking fusion of ancient mythology, the untouched beauty of nature, and the cutting-edge realm of digital innovation, offering an immersive journey unlike any other.
Taking center stage in this digital odyssey is the mystical Bay of Aphrodite, a place drenched in the allure of Greek and Cypriot legends. It is here that Aphrodite, the goddess of love, is said to have emerged from the sea’s embrace. Arakelian’s exhibition brilliantly weaves these ancient tales with the narrative of contemporary art, creating a tapestry rich in history yet vibrant with modern relevance.
In a stunning display at the exhibition’s core, viewers will witness Arakelian herself in a mesmerizing performance, swimming amidst the ancient Stone of Aphrodite. This act is more than a performance; it’s a symbol of time’s fluidity, a meeting point of the past and the present, and a vivid illustration of transformation.
The exhibition extends an invitation to explore the concept of the metaverse—a boundless virtual space where reality is reshaped, redefined, and reborn. Arakelian transforms the legendary stones, sanctified by Aphrodite’s myth, into a living, evolving canvas that blurs the lines between art and technology, myth and modernity.
“Metamorphosis of Aphrodite’s Stones” stands as a beacon of social commentary and an exploration of gender identity. Through diverse mediums like performance art, sculpture, and environmental installations, Arakelian amplifies her voice for social justice and gender equality.
From January 9th to March 7th, this digital land-art piece will be a playable experience akin to a game or quest in Decentraland. It seeks to bring to life Aphrodite’s Stone from Cyprus, a real-world site shrouded in myth and allure. As the legend goes, swimming around this stone bestows eternal beauty—a tale that continues to fascinate and draw women from across the globe.
This exhibition is not just an artistic endeavor; it’s a portal to a world where myth meets technology, and ancient stories are reborn in digital landscapes. Prepare to be transported, challenged, and transformed.
