Sabbie e riti dagli antipodi. Da scoprire in una ex chiesa di Venezia
The Church of San Lorenzo in Venice, home to Ocean Space, is hosting "Tide of Returns," an exhibition by the Repatriates Collective. The installation transforms the historic nave with sand dunes populated by thousands of decorated shells known as Dadikwakwa-kwa, or shell dolls, from the Anindilyakwa people of Australia. The show also features a tripartite installation of video, textiles, and braids by German-Bolivian artist Verena Melgarejo Weinandt, exploring themes of ancestral connection and the universal significance of water.
This exhibition is a significant contribution to the ongoing global dialogue regarding decolonization and the restitution of cultural artifacts. By bringing Indigenous narratives and transnational artistic research to a major Western art hub like Venice, the project challenges traditional museum practices and emphasizes the importance of returning cultural heritage to its origins. It highlights how contemporary art can serve as a bridge for healing and community resilience across continents.