At Milan Design Week, FIN Gallery presents a striking dialogue between two distinct artistic voices—Czech designer Tadeáš Podracký and Australian artist Catherine Coady. Exhibited at THEMA, a post-industrial 1950s building just five minutes from Linate Airport, the show offers a dynamic contrast of organic emotion and clinical precision, set against an innovative scenography that reimagines the boundaries of design presentation.
THEMA is known for its commitment to historical and contemporary design, championing inclusivity, sustainability, and the breaking of conventional trade fair formats. The space itself becomes part of the narrative—its raw, architectural presence reshaped by new aesthetics and the interplay of contrasting artistic worlds.
MIND FOOD is a large-scale artwork, meticulously crafted from white perspex acrylic. Within this luminous glossy white piece, round replica white pills reside encased in clear acrylic capsules, their pristine appearance reflecting light and casting a mesmerising glow within the space they inhabit. This body of work serves as a contemplation on the vulnerability of the human mind, a delicate balance between fragility and resilience. Through the symbolism of medication, meditation, and white light therapy, it explores the multifaceted journey towards mindfulness and holistic well-being. The pills, often associated with the complexities of mental health treatment, evoke questions about societal attitudes towards medication and the pursuit of inner peace. The glossy, reflective surface of the artwork invites viewers to engage with their own reflections, both physical and metaphorical, as they navigate the space around them. Much like the human mind, the work’s luminosity shifts and changes with the surrounding environment, offering a dynamic interpretation of inner states and external influences.
Drawing upon the rich tapestry of art history, MIND FOOD acknowledges the longstanding tradition of artists using their creative expression as a means of emotional navigation. Emotions and the mind have always been at the heart of artistic exploration, providing a conduit for introspection and self-discovery.
Ultimately, MIND FOOD is more than just a visual spectacle; it is an invitation to delve deeper into the complexities of our inner worlds. By sparking conversations about mental health and well-being, this artwork seeks to foster empathy, understanding, and a renewed appreciation for the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
