The Objects of Sleep

Even sleepers are workers and collaborators in what goes on in the universe.

The theme of this exhibition leaves no doubts. The theatre of sleep may not be separated from its stage set, or rather from all those elements, environmental situations, objects, yet also rites which make up the performance of such a special moment which is that of falling asleep. The objects and sleeping have here a mirror like value. They cannot be set aside from the sleeper. What comes to mind? All that which is essential to sleep and sleeping: a bed, a frame and mattress, sheets, pillows, sleeping tablets, books and TV sets on until late, mugs and glasses cluttering the bedside tables, goodnight kisses, sheep and more sheep counted to sheer exhaustion by those who do not manage to fall asleep and are tormented by insomnia, lights which penetrate the room at dawn or in the dark of night and like magic lanterns throw shadows on to the ceiling and the walls, until one’s eyes close or open with the ringing of the alarm clock. The theme lends itself to a visual and symbolic elaboration: the bed becomes agora on which the most natural of all acts takes place. It is the cinema auditorium where the film which sees us every night as spectators and players is projected. Sleeping is one of the few moments during which our right to privacy may not be violated: our dreams can definitely not be intercepted! The isle of slumber is a place to be defended, to be kept apart from noise and telematics. Human dignity begins and finishes in the bed, there one is born and there one dies. Thus the body finds its natural position. The body rests, yet the mind never switches off, the eyes move restlessly during the REM stage chasing the images which are projected onto our private screen. Sleep is both muscular paralysis and, at the same time, action. The bed is an instrument of experience. Naked or covered bodies. Underwear, pyjamas and earplugs to block noise. Hot and cold, circulating energy, readjustments, pleasure and pain, foetal positions, prone, supine, everyone has their own way of sleeping. Every person has their night and their awakening.

Stefania Carrozzini