International Forum on Artistic Research
17th Conference of the Society for Artistic Research (SAR)
Submission Number: 133
Submission ID: 181
Submission UUID: 1f2f4a49-dc36-46c7-8975-e9bcec20f3f0

Created: Sun, 22 Feb 2026 - 22:20
Completed: Sun, 22 Feb 2026 - 22:52
Changed: Wed, 13 May 2026 - 08:12

Remote IP address: 62.199.99.36
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English

Is draft: No
Current page: webform_confirmation
Given name Chiara
Surname Bastoni
Email chiarabastoni.98@gmail.com
I understand that by submitting this form, I consent to the use of my data for the purposes of the 2026 Forum on Artistic Research'. Yes
I agree to the terms of service. Yes
Title A Sun In The Palm
Format Other format
Main language English
Abstract A Sun In the Palm is an experimental art film, an abstract, immersive and deep journey into the topic of human connection through sound and moving image. The film is divided in 5 acts, each showcasing the artistic practices of the five protagonists that build the narration, embodying one different perspective on connection: to God and the body, to nature and the soft heart of life, to the self through beauty, to others through love and conflict, to others through acceptance and gentleness and to the things of the world through empathy and unity. It is a narrative, abstract and spiritual elaboration, it aims to engage emotionally, hoping to leave the viewer with questions that can remain un-answered.
It’s the result of a one year artistic/curatorial research residency on Islamic spirituality and ritual in connection to contemporary art, a hybrid experimental project carried out by visual artist and curator Chiara Bastoni. The project is part of a longer term, hybrid research project on the intersection of curation and artistic production, that aims to bridge rituality as a methodology with the practice of contemporary art, and draw back from the latter the elements that can render the experience of art authentic, intense, deep, empathy oriented and connective.
The shooting eye is photographic. Besides the main narrative, a sense of connection and unity pervade the whole film, through the visual associations made. Messages overlap and layer. The film is permeated by references to Islamic rituals, to
some passages of the Qur’an, which are intentionally left subtle and silent, only perceivable by those who know and seek, a choice made to make the piece universal.
The piece is the first part of what aims to be a much wider and innovative project that unites researchers from various fields, deepening and widening what has been started throughout this process.
Image Film Poster_1.jpg
Short biographies of the presenter(s)
  • Chiara Bastoni is an emerging visual artist and curator who approaches curation as an artistic practice. Born as a photographer, she is now moving towards moving image to expand her practice to include more emotion, intensity, and narration and document foundational and endangered human principles.

    As a curator, Chiara approaches exhibition-making as an extension of her artistic research, exploring ways to bridge ritual with contemporary art to create transformative and complete experiences. As Artistic Director of Copenhagen’s KUNE Festival and co-creator of the Global We program for the Museum for the United Nations, she extends her work into public space, seeking to turn artistic encounters into deep forms of engagement.
Previous presentations or iterations of the research
Additional information The presentation format is the screening of a 34 minutes film that deals with the teme of empathy and connection, foundational to humanity yet threatened by an increasing atomisation of life (cfr. Byung Chul-Han). Following the screening is a presentation of the wider artistic-curatorial research in which the film emerged, connecting ritual as a methodology with the experience of contemporary art. My research aims to bring forth a new approach to curation. In doing so, I hope to join forces with artists and researchers from other fields to advance curatorial and artistic practices for a more just and connective world.
Spatial and technical requirements The film is shot in 4K, 16:9, and requires a (preferably short-throw) projector or led backlit screen and a soundsystem.
Potential risks or ethical concerns
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Create new user Chiara Bastoni