The Seeming Endless Path of Memory

The exhibition is divided into three sections. At the base of the Torre Grossa are displayed miniature paintings created specifically for this event, made with traditional techniques cultivated by Mughal masters since the 16th century. Going up to the roof of the Torre Grossa, while the gaze moves from one miniature to another, the viewer will experience the crescendo stimulated by an installation that fills the recesses of the inner walls of the Tower: pieces of paper that appear to be bloodied rags but, on closer inspection, they depict images of works by Imran Qureshi.

Then, climbing to the uppermost level, the viewer discovers the largest and most important creation: a pictorial work carried out directly on the roof of the Civic Museum tower of San Gimignano on which petals and leaves emerge from what seems to be a scene of carnage.

Anyone who comes to San Gimignano is struck by these vertical constructions of the towers, buildings so tall, imposing and with a strong symbolic value.” – says the visual artist Imran Qureshi – “The first time I came here, accompanied by the director of the Siena Art Institute, I was struck by how the tower is a symbolic subject, similar to the symbolism of traditional miniatures from Pakistan: the towers are beautiful and glorious, but also they reflect the importance of authority and power and the need for defense and security in the violent world in which they were built. ”

The artistic message of Imran Qureshi

“In planning the artistic project with Miriam Grottanelli from the Siena Art Institute – continues Imran Qureshi – I proposed a work that would encourage dialogue between strong and deeply-rooted cultures, placing my project within this tower that is a symbol of medieval culture and traditional in this territory.

It’s a clear message but without provocation: after September 11th, contact with each other often remains a stereotyped communication. Instead, I believe that two cultures which are strong and knowledgable can meet each other, rather than clashing with each other.”

Siena, looking to the Eastern world

“In these years, the Siena Art Institute has been looking towards the Eastern world. For this reason we chose to invite Imran Qureshi, as he embodies the type of artist with whom we want to collaborate: internationally renowned and representating of the strong values of a culture rooted in the community, as it is also with the Sienese territory. – explains Miriam Grottanelli, director of SART – With this activity we want to stimulate the public’s attention, through art and through and the “outside” point of view of an artist who has came from afar, to discover ourselves, to analyze ourselves, and to find affirmations. In the end, nothing more than to bring out the task of art and artists. “