You Will Find Me If You Want Me In The Garden at Valentin

Artists: Alessandro Agudio, Stefania Batoeva, Sol Calero, Simon Dybbroe Møller, Carson Fisk-Vittori, Ditte Gantriis, Pakui Hardware (In Collaboration With Jeannine Han), Daniel Keller, Spencer Longo, Matthew Smith, Anna Virnich, Andrew Norman Wilson

Exhibition title: You Will Find Me If You Want Me In The Garden

Curated by: Domenico de Chirico

Venue: Valentin, Paris, France

Date: April 18 – May 16, 2015

Photography: images courtesy of the artist and Valentin, Paris

YOU WILL FIND ME IF YOU WANT ME IN THE GARDEN*

Epicureanism is a philosophy based on the teachings of Epicurus**. The school of Epicurus, founded in 306 B.C. is also called “The Garden” in reference to the philosopher’s home and garden near Athens where he held his teachings.

Epicurus’ philosophy, inspired by Democritus’ atomism, is centered on the understanding that philosophy’s main goal lies in achieving a state of tranquillity.

Hence the thoughts of Epicurus are based on three principles: First, the value of our senses and feelings as criteria of truth and happiness (pleasure); secondly the principle of atomism according to which objects are formed and modified by atoms constantly uniting and separating, whereas feelings are formed by layers of atoms that radiate from those objects and thereby affect the atoms of the soul; thirdly, his semi-atheism which accepts the existence of gods but denies them any form of interference on the making and governance of the world.

In short, Epicurus believes that the highest good is pleasure (! δονƫ) and, at the same time, that the criterion of truth is sensitive knowledge, or rather that only the senses are true and infallible and should therefore be cared for constantly.

Surely, the garden, seen as an eco system, is an ideal place for everyone to move freely and to express their opinions. Besides, it can favor debates with a historical perspective – an undisputed and valid tool for the knowledge and understanding of religious, artistic, poetic and literary expressions – deeply satisfying, despite their peripatetic appearance.

*Title by Blixa Bargeld.
**Epicurus (Samos, 10 February 342 B.C. – Athens, 270 B.C.),ancient Greek philosopher Source: Wikipedia