Alicja Kwade's 'Geologies of the Impossible' Challenges Traditional Notions at Belvedere Tragara on Capri
Published on 7.20.25
Alicja Kwade's installation "Geologies of the Impossible" is a thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between space, function, and perception. Located in the picturesque setting of Belvedere Tragara on the Italian island of Capri, this work challenges traditional notions of spatial relationships by juxtaposing three bronze chairs with blocks of raw stone.
The installation's use of contrasting materials - smooth, polished bronze versus rough-hewn stone - creates a sense of tension and visual interest. This deliberate contrast highlights the artificial nature of our perceptions of space and function, inviting viewers to question their assumptions about the way we interact with our surroundings.
By placing these bronze chairs in a setting that is both beautiful and imposing - the Belvedere Tragara perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean - Kwade forces viewers to consider the ways in which our perceptions are shaped by our surroundings. The use of stone as an obstruction also speaks to the idea of the impossible, suggesting that even the most seemingly fixed or permanent structures can be disrupted or recontextualized.
Ultimately, "Geologies of the Impossible" is a powerful exploration of the ways in which our perceptions are shaped by our surroundings, and the ways in which art can challenge and redefine our understanding of the world around us.