Weaving Connections: The Plexus Journey”

The Genesis of Plexus
In the vibrant art landscape of New York in the early 1980s, a diverse group of artists from various disciplines and backgrounds came together under a shared vision of experimental collaborations. Limited by the constraints of the art market, Plexus was founded as a time where artistic expression knows no boundaries by challenging definitions and art categories  of the art world.

The Expanding Horizon
As the 1980s unfolded, Plexus expanded its reach beyond New York, establishing hubs in cities like Rome, Dakar, Cagliari, Gavoi and Carloforte, in Sardinia, and Cairns in Australia. Through collaborative initiatives called “Art-Co-Operas,” artists experimented with new ideas, blending different cultural elements, scientific theories, and artistic expressions. This period marked the beginning of an art movement that emphasized interconnectedness among artists and communities, unlocking creative potential for collective awareness and fostering a shift in the use of human and natural resources.

This eclectic collaborative mix has become the hallmark of Plexus's artistic events, creating an atmosphere full of inspiration, where ideas flowed freely like a river in the creation of a unique form of collaborative art known as "Plexus Art Co-Opera." 

The Art Co-Operas have been the distinctive feature of Plexus's journey, uniting diverse communities of artists with varying visions and artistic forms, while also providing opportunities for art networking among the public on pressing issues such as human rights, peace, biodiversity loss, desertification, and the value of cultural diversity. In 2008, they launched a call for the Safeguarding of Cultural and Natural Heritage of Humanity from the House of Slaves in Goree, Dakar, symbolizing the erosion of our historical memory and all form of ancient and contemporary slavery.

Confronting Global Challenges
In the early 2000s, as the world faced increasingly pressing issues—climate change, cultural erasure, and social injustice—Plexus responded by organizing international events such as Erosions and Renaissance, along with the voyage of the Art of Well-Being. These initiatives sparked dialogue and action, urging artists to harness their creativity to tackle global challenges. The creation of the monumental Plexus Metr'Art emerged as a symbolic representation of unity and collaboration, showcasing contributions from hundreds of artists worldwide.

Over the years, sperimental communication and digital art exchanges have been explored within the Plexus art journey. 

The Mediterranean Revival
In the mid-2000s, the Forum on Mediterranean Food Cultures in Rome became a Plexus beacon for revitalizing and strengthening community ties through shared culinary and artistic experiences. By promoting sustainable food practices as a means of community development, cross-cultural dialogues and collaborations among artists, scientists, chefs, and activists were fostered, illuminating the profound connections between art, cultures, food, and sustainability.

A New Artistic Environment
As Plexus entered its fifth decade, its mission evolved to create a new “art environment” where artists serve as both creators and consumers, co-producing their work. This model transformed the relationship between artists and their creations, promoting independence while encouraging collaboration. The organization empowered artists to explore the intersection of art, science, technology, and global markets, fostering a unique space for innovative experimental expression.

The Journey Continues
Now rooted in Sorano, Tuscany, Italy, Plexus International's journey is ongoing, fostering creativity, dialogue, and connection across communities. Through diverse exchanges, they weave a rich tapestry of voices and visions. As the collective dreams of artists expand, Plexus remains committed to nurturing sustainable cultural practices, advocating for social justice and peace, and celebrating the transformative power of art in all its forms.

With over 1,000 artists from around the world participating in its initiatives, Plexus International stands as a testament to the enduring power of collaboration and creativity in art.

The journey continues, with each new project and partnership enriching the vibrant narrative of interconnectedness, resilience, and shared humanity.

From 1983 to 2023, Plexus has carried out numerous collaborative projects and events in various parts of the world, bringing together musicians, visual artists, performers, poets, theatre actors, dancers, playwrights, scholars, and community activists. These projects have involved both established names and emerging artists. These events, which have characterized Plexus's journey and included over 1,000 artists, remain an unexplored part of contemporary art history. 

In a global world where different values and cultures are increasingly clashing, Plexus International offers an open model of art that allows for global participation even for small and distant communities, often separated yet sometimes close to one another.

The art journey of Plexus continues...