ANONIMA

ARTIST

Monica Forte

ON VIEW

January 4, 2025

SUMMARY

Known Studio is excited to present Anonima, a one night photography exhibition and performance that explores the concept of "non-places", beginning with the anonymous bar culture in Milan. Originally shown in Milan, we are excited to explore how this project, originally conceived in a European context, might adapt and spark conversation in Los Angeles, and ultimately lead to an exploration of the "non-places" that exist within the LA landscape.

We are often captivated by trendy new places, but what if we turned our attention to the familiar, overlooked spaces we frequent daily? Are they truly as impersonal and uninspiring as they seem?

Building on this idea, the project introduces an itinerant exhibition that invites reflection and adapts to a new cultural context. The goal is to engage audiences consistently, encouraging both thought and participation. By relocating the participatory art project, we explore how its format resonates in different environments, capturing public input and reactions or even uncovering entirely new interpretations. For example, the Milan-based Anonima began as a mapping of anonymous bars but could expand to other types of non-places, depending on the context. This flexibility not only broadens its scope but also enhances its uniqueness, sparking a global conversation through local insights.

Anonima is a migrating project by Milan-based artist Monica Forte. Forte is an emerging artist who recently held her first solo exhibition during Milano Arch Week (MAW) 2024, promoted by Triennale, Politecnico, and the Municipality of Milan. Her work features a collection of photographs capturing anonymous realities, collected through an online call. The aim is to recreate a sense of atmosphere and social connection through these often-overlooked spaces