Carpe Diem Editions

About

Carpe Diem Art and Research is a non-profit contemporary visual arts organisation based in Lisbon, Portugal, which has created an international network of exchange between artists, critics and the public. This exhibition is held on board Slash Arts Gallery Boat on Regent's Canal between Kings Cross and the Islington tunnel - access via Muriel Street, N19QU.

Introduction to the exhibition by Dela Miessen, Curator

What is art? When asking friends or family, the answers range from the unknown mystics of artistic elitism to being a powerful tool with deeper meanings. Beauty, but not always beautiful. Transporting a message, but not always immediately visible. Something you cannot put into words but at the same time need a thousand words and multiple languages to describe it. Lourenço Egreja, founder and curator of Carpe Diem Art and Research, once said an important keyword to art is access, in many instances prevented by status, institutions or money. For me, art is what makes us think and question our construction of reality. What provokes feelings, emotions and sensations.  An influential tool for change, art mirrors the functioning of the society. So should it not embrace all societal layers?

When looking at this collection of editions, I see all of this. Shapes, lines, curiosity, depth, concentration, passion and commitment of people who have dedicated their life to art. To tell a story, create narratives and ultimately form a part of cultural heritage. Telling a story and making sense of it is how we create our realities. There are principles in this narrative construction which are worth knowing about. One significant way is artistic reflection. The limited edition prints born from the exhibition process and with the precious generosity and contributions of the artists range from renowned established artists to the crème de la crème of recent graduates from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Portugal. With projects like INCLUIR, Carpe Diem shows how to use art as an instrument for social inclusion by integrating social minorities in the collection. The collection depicts a snapshot of Portuguese and international contemporary art, including ethnic minorities and post-colonial artists. Making the art world more accessible, high quality art pieces are offered to young collectors or first buyers, often resembling stupendous installations. The privilege of having a travelling collection allows us to create a floating exhibition hosted by Slash Arts and to merge internationally curated artists with British culture on board a typical London canal boat in Kings Cross next to Central Saint Martins.

Slash Arts is a physical and virtual accelerator gallery committed to nurturing contemporary fine artists emerging from leading art schools and represents inter-disciplinary works in all media, including painting, sculpture, video and installation. The exhibition is held on board Slash Arts Gallery boat on Regent's Canal (access via Muriel N19QU).