Iridescence

April 12 - May 16, 2024

Within the depths of a seashell, a pearl emanates iridescence, beckoning us on an enchanting journey to uncover its origins.

From Princess Lina's tear-born pearls in Palawan to the embodiment of bravery in the Chinese dragon's head legend, each tale reveals the transformative power inherent in these divine essences. Discover enduring pearls of love through the forbidden romance of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai. Witness tears metamorphose into pearls of innocence during Adam and Eve's banishment, and marvel at the grace and wonder that radiate from moonlit-drenched rocks in hidden valleys. Delve into the deep sea, guarded by its protectors, to find these treasures that embody perseverance. Behold the divine gifts, purity, and favor bestowed by the gods, exemplified by Princess Libuše's powerful necklace adorned with pearls amidst the Bohemian landscapes.

In the exhibition titled "Iridescence," presented by Yidi Art, Czech artist Markéta Kolářová draws inspiration from legends intertwined with pearls across various cultures. Infusing her vivid imagination and stylized mythical characters, she portrays these tales as an observer, while promoting their universal essence and the concept of cosmopolitanism. Born from humble irritants, pearls represent the extraordinary emerging from the ordinary, testaments to the miracles of birth, divinity, beauty, the power of love, and the rewards of patience and perseverance. Through alternating between narrative and fantasy, Kolářová encourages viewers to seek beauty and iridescence in the simplest of things, unveiling the parts of life that surpass mere appearances.