“I kept asking myself, ‘What is beauty anyway, and who gets to decide?’” Ayse Arnal, founder of Louise Alexander Gallery, began developing the idea behind her latest curatorial endeavour, Apple of Discord, with this simple — yet expansive — question. Drawing inspiration from René Magritte’s The Treachery of Images and contemplating the perception of beauty in today’s digital world, she looked to cross-disciplinary artists who challenged stereotypical ideals in their work, who pushed boundaries and explored aesthetics in unconventional means. The result is, in her own words, “a space where art compels viewers to see beyond the obvious.”

Located in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Louise Alexander Gallery is a contemporary art space that highlights work across traditional and experimental mediums — from photography, painting, and sculpture to AI and generative art. For Apple of Discord, Arnal and co-curator Mollie E. Barnes selected the work of over 20 artists, both emerging talents and household names, to create a transformative, inquisitive viewer experience. Between Rachel Maclean’s reflection of motherhood and identity and pieces by acclaimed French photographer Guy Bourdin, it is an immersive and captivating collection of work.

We spoke with Arnal about curating Apple of Discord, why Louise Alexander Gallery is the perfect fit for the exhibit, and the artists we can expect to see.

Read the full interview…

Hey Ayse! How are you doing?
Hey! I’m doing great, thanks for asking. It’s been an exciting time getting everything ready for Apple of Discord, and I’m thrilled to share more about it with you!

Congratulations on Apple of Discord! Can you tell us a bit about this show?
Thank you! Apple of Discord is a project I’m incredibly passionate about. It’s a group exhibition featuring over twenty fantastic artists whose works challenge our traditional concepts of beauty. The aim is to encourage viewers to look deeper and think critically about the art and the ideas behind it. It’s a vibrant mix of photography, painting, sculpture, and even AI-generated art that really pushes boundaries.

What initially inspired the idea and what were some of the themes you wanted to cover?

The idea for Apple of Discord came to me while pondering how we perceive beauty in today’s digitally dominated world. I kept asking myself, “What is beauty anyway, and who gets to decide?” Inspired by René Magritte’s The Treachery of Images, I wanted to create a space where art compels viewers to see beyond the obvious. We explore themes like the fluidity of beauty, the blend of reality and digital manipulation, and discovering beauty in the unexpected and unconventional.

What was the process like of selecting the artists and curating their work? What connects all the artists?
Selecting the artists was like assembling a dream team. I sought out artists who aren’t afraid to defy norms and who bring a unique voice to their work. The common thread among them is their willingness to push the boundaries and explore the elastic nature of beauty and form. Curating their work involved creating a dialogue between the pieces, ensuring each one complements the others while standing out on its own.

Can you tell us a bit about some of the artists and their work? Is there anyone you’re particularly excited about?
I’m really excited about every artist in this show. For instance, Rachel Maclean’s work is always captivating, blending digital art with surreal critique. She created a series inspired by her experiences of early motherhood, using familiar baby-centric imagery but infusing it with complexity and an unsettling vibe. Her paintings play with themes of identity, motherhood, and the blur between ‘you’ and ‘them’. Another fascinating artist is Nice Aunties, whose art series ‘niceaunties’ draws from her 11 aunties, her mother, and her late grandmother. Her work, created with AI, challenges our perceptions of the human body in the most intriguing ways.


What makes it a great fit for Louise Alexander Gallery?

Louise Alexander Gallery has always embraced the bold and unconventional, which makes Apple of Discord a perfect fit. Our mission is to challenge our audience and push the boundaries of contemporary art. Situated in the beautiful Porto Cervo, Sardinia, our gallery offers a stunning backdrop that perfectly complements the innovative spirit of this exhibition.



When putting together an exhibit that features a multitude of different mediums, how do you approach it? How does the placement of pieces determine the viewer experience or overall narrative of the show?

Curating an exhibit with such diverse mediums is like crafting a visual journey. It’s essential to consider how each piece interacts with the others and the overall space. The placement of each artwork is carefully planned to guide viewers through various emotional and intellectual experiences, creating a cohesive narrative that ties all the diverse mediums together. It’s all about making the viewer’s journey through the exhibition as engaging and thought-provoking as possible.

Apple of Discord is on view now through 8 September at Louise Alexander Gallery in Porto Cervo, Sardinia. Head to the gallery’s website for more information.