THE MANIFESTO

What:
Mollified: glass unites us and our work, melding them by mollifying Murano amulets, composed of small anatomical lampworked parts, wrapped in a glass envelope that covers and strengthens them with its protection. In joining with the parts, the glowing glass modifies, mangles, and softens them, giving them an armor and a new aspect that will allow them to remain preserved,and to appear differently. Even in modern times people have not stopped longing for a perfect, eternal, pain-free existence. Mollified’s inspiration lies in ex-votos, and deals with the human dynamics of asking a third party for one’s salvation. We look at these dynamics anthropologically, casting an ironic but gentle gaze: by definition “mollified” means softened, alleviated.

Why:
The Mollified Collective invites you not to give up and accept that things “just happen”. We ask you to put some courage into it, whether to break down predetermined patterns or to run against destiny, against luck; we shape our own existence, even in the darkest and hardest moments of life; indeed, it is especially in these moments that our choices make the difference. We are not trapped in the spell of an already decided and adverse fate, we choose one, no matter what.

How:
Mollified is versatile and constantly evolving. Mollified unabashedly addresses intimate human themes and taboos with a detached, ironic, sharp anthropological gaze. By debunking difficult topics, avoiding all controversy, it would like to plant a seed of doubt, to trigger a reflection. Mollified would like to address each of us, bestowing on people a spirit of soft revolution and inviting them not to accept with resignation the way things are, while waiting for salvation from the outside. Mollified is a soft embrace in a harsh reality.

Are miracles still possible? Are we afraid of death? How do we deal with failure? Are we aware of our frailty? Cosima Montavoci and Lorenzo Passi have broached these topics, and cast an anthropological eye on human behavior, with more than a touch of irony. Humor paves the way to acceptance; laughter, however tinged with sadness, is a powerful tool for regeneration and liberation from anxiety. Pain, disease, troubles are everyday experiences that leave indelible marks on our bodies,but more so on our souls. In adversity, we must abandon the illusion of being invincible and eternal, and come to embrace a perception of vulnerability and weakness that makes the dream of an eternal and painless life on earth impossible. It’s odd how our singular obsession with being able to dominate everything can in an instant be taken from our hands. We, who once believed we were in control, become those that are controlled. Thus, we put our yielding, weakened limbs in the hands of the Divine, so that we may be freed from troubles and cured from disease. And, in order that our prayers be heard, or to express our gratitude, we attempt to give something in return: the ex-voto. Project Mollified draws its inspiration from the ancient tradition of presenting ex-votos for graces sought or received. Mirthfully, but with compassion, the artist observes this curious phenomenon, that of a physical human token of entreaty or thanks to a higher power. For, even in our modern times, we all wish for a perfect, eternal existence; but when daily suffering wreaks havoc on our expectations, we ask God to deliver us and make our lives better and sweeter: we would that our troubles be mollified. In their joint work, Montavoci and Passi have embedded figures of ivory-colored, lampworked Murano glass in frames of hot-worked transparent glass, encasing them in various vintage metal objects. Each piece is unique. It asks nothing of God, but encourages beholders to open their eyes and gracefully help themselves.