Summary of the Kunsthalle Wien Exhibition: Chalisée Naamani: Octogone
This text details the exhibition “chalisée Naamani: Octogone” at Kunsthalle Wien. Here’s a breakdown of the key data:
Artist: Chalisée Naamani (born 1995, Paris)
Exhibition Title: Octogone
Themes & Concepts:
* Cultural Resistance & Gender: The exhibition explores themes of cultural resistance, gender roles, adn bodily autonomy. It draws heavily on Varzesh-e Pahlavani, a customary Iranian martial art historically banned for its potential for resistance, and its recent reclamation by women.
* Family History: Naamani incorporates her grandfather’s practice of Varzesh-e Pahlavani through photographs embroidered onto capes.
* Deconstructing Stereotypes: She challenges entrenched gender stereotypes by juxtaposing training equipment with children’s developmental tools, and by examining traditionally male-coded sports like boxing and football.
* Nationalism & Belonging: The exhibition extends to local cultural references, specifically Austrian garments like the Dirndl and Lederhosen, analyzing how they reinforce gendered ideals and the dangers of nostalgic idealization of “Heimat” (homeland) in the context of nationalism.
* patriarchal Systems & Oppression of Women: This is highlighted through the artist’s edition scarf.
Key Works/Elements:
* Octagonal ring: A recreation of the training space for Varzesh-e Pahlavani.
* Installation Who claims love (2025): Features capes embroidered with images of the artist’s grandfather.
* Sculptures: Combining traditional garments with tourist merchandise and “Heimat” T-shirts.
* Artist’s Edition Scarf: A football scarf with the slogans “Free Britney” and “Free Iran,” connecting the Iranian liberation movement with the fight for Britney Spears’ freedom from her father’s guardianship.
Exhibition institution: Organized in collaboration with Palais de Tokyo, Paris.
artist Background: Naamani has had solo exhibitions in Paris and Noisy-le-Sec, and her work has been shown in numerous institutions across Europe and Tunisia.she has received several awards, including the Pista 500 Prize and the Fondations Prize for Sculpture and Installation.
Other Exhibitions at Kunsthalle Wien:
* Currently on view: Richard Hawkins: Potentialities (until April 6, 2026)
* Forthcoming: Guglielmo Castelli: Sweet Baby Motel (February 13 until April 12, 2026)
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