ITALIAN JOURNEY
1786/2009
Goethe’s Italian journey was a dual exploration: a physical passage through landscapes and an internal journey of self-discovery. His reflections on history, art, and the interplay between external surroundings and personal transformation resonate across centuries. The project’s use of digital tools adds a new layer to this exploration, juxtaposing Goethe’s intimate writings with the virtual imagery of today. This combination invites viewers to reflect on the evolving nature of travel—where technology both connects and distances us from the places we seek to experience.
Central to this work is its ability to navigate between invention and imitation, blending the tangible and the mediated. Goethe’s musings on art and creativity, such as his query, “Which has been of greater benefit to the Arts – Invention or Imitation?” take on fresh relevance when applied to the digital age. This digital reenactment mirrors Goethe’s tension between the fleeting and the eternal, allowing audiences to experience Italy through both a historical and contemporary lens.
The project also highlights the fragmented nature of modern existence. Where Goethe’s journey unfolded as a linear progression through space and time, the digital recreation offers an instantaneous, non-linear experience that transforms memory into a collection of static images. This shift emphasizes the contrast between lived experience and its technological representation, drawing attention to how we process time, place, and self in an era of constant digital mediation.
Ultimately, ITALIAN JOURNEY 1786/2009 bridges centuries, engaging with timeless questions of meaning, self-awareness, and the human condition. Whether contemplating the vastness of the sea as a metaphor for introspection or exploring the streets of Rome through a screen, the work invites viewers to reconsider their relationship with history and how they navigate the intersection of the physical and virtual worlds. It stands as a testament to art’s ability to connect us across time, making the distant past a vibrant part of the present.