Maddaloni biennale: Art as a Catalyst for urban Regeneration in Campania
MADDALONI, Italy (AP) — The inaugural “Ama” Biennale in Maddaloni, Italy, is underway, transforming the Campanian town into a vibrant hub of artistic expression and urban exploration. Running through April 21, the event seeks to spark “urban regeneration” by engaging the local community through art and architecture.
Feminine Strength and Community Roots Highlighted at Maddaloni Art Exhibition
A striking installation by artist Teresa Antignani at the Santa Maria dei Comandati church depicts a female representation of Saint Michael triumphing over evil. The artwork incorporates a red standard stitched collaboratively by women in Antignani’s family, paying homage to local traditions and female empowerment.
Historical Echoes and Social Commentary Intertwine in Biennale Installations
Antignani’s work features the word “Albanova,” a name given to the town by Mussolini, intended to symbolize a societal rebirth free from crime. Other artists, including Fabrizio Vatieri, Roberto Amoroso, and Roberto di alicudi, are also exhibiting at the church, exploring themes of the past, ritual practices, and urban disruptions through symbolic tapestries and ironic votive offerings.
Biennale Aims to Revitalize Maddaloni Through Art and Community Engagement
The “Ama” Biennale, an acronym for Arte + Maddaloni + Architettura (Art + Maddaloni + Architecture), aims to involve Maddaloni’s 36,000 residents, schools and forgotten sacred sites in creating a platform for urban regeneration. The event, curated by architect and professor Luca Molinari, builds upon previous international graphic art biennales held in the town during the mid-20th century, seeking to breathe new life into the community.
Art and Memory Intertwine at Maddaloni Biennale, Confronting a Challenging History
MADDALONI, Italy — The 80-strong “Ama” biennale honors Franco Imposimato, a union leader and brother of magistrate Ferdinando Imposimato (who was murdered by the Camorra), blending cultural memory with forward-thinking artistic expression in Maddaloni, a region scarred by toxic waste and environmental crimes. The event seeks to cultivate new ideas for the future amidst the lingering presence of past traumas.
“New Narratives for the Future” Unveiled at Convitto Giordano Bruno
The Convitto Giordano bruno, a former Franciscan convent now housing four schools, serves as the central hub for the biennale. Artists, designers, and architects converge under the theme “New Narratives for the Future,” showcased beneath the world’s longest canvas painted by the school’s students.
Zoosemiotics in “State of Grace”
In the courtyard, Annalisa Metta and philosopher Felice Cimatti present “in stato di grazia” (In a State of Grace): A bestiary of brass figures moves in the wind.The installation serves as an homage to the lemon tree dedicated to St. Francis, reflecting on “animality” and the surprises of zoosemiotics.
Biennale Aims to Inspire, Not Solve
Curator Molinari states the biennale’s aim is to “produce new narratives for a future that scares and worries us.” He emphasizes that the projects and visions of architects, designers, illustrators, and photographers can help develop ideas, while acknowledging that “there is no final solution to improve the world.”
Istanbul Biennial Extends its Reach to Maddaloni, Italy with Art installations
MADDALONI, Italy – The spirit of the Istanbul Biennial has traveled to Maddaloni, Italy, where existing spaces are transformed into unique art installations. The collaborative project features contemporary art interventions that engage with the city’s historical layers and collective memories.
Artistic Interventions Blend History and Contemporary Expression
In Maddaloni, the project repurposes existing structures and spaces, creating an itinerary that merges historical sedimentation with contemporary art. For example, a structure by Cherubino Gambardella, envisioned as a bench and meeting place, will be permanently relocated to a park. At the Civic Museum, 21st-century ceramics are displayed alongside Hellenistic and Etruscan vases, while a collection of vintage graphic art recalls maddaloni’s early engagements with contemporary art.
Subterranean Spaces Host Haunting Video Installation
The project extends into less-explored architectural spaces,including the recently restored crypt of the Confraternita della Buona Morte. In this setting, artist Adrian paci presents a video filmed in Modica, depicting the Madonna Vasa Vasa procession. The video is set amidst skeletons and memento mori,creating a dialog between the Modican ritual and the crypt’s somber history. Due to pandemic restrictions,the video was recorded as a secret rite between night and dawn.Paci explained that the goal was to ensure the symbolic reunion of mother and son, despite the challenging circumstances.
About the Istanbul Biennial
The Istanbul Biennial is an international art exhibition.
Istanbul biennale 2025: “The Three-Legged Cat” Theme Announced, Focuses on Creative Resilience
ISTANBUL — Amidst a politically charged atmosphere, the Istanbul Biennale has announced its theme, “The Three-Legged Cat,” for the 18th edition of Turkey’s moast prominent art event. The Biennale, organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV), aims to explore creative resilience in challenging times.
Biennale Dates and Location
Scheduled to run from September 20 to November 23, 2025, the Biennale will be held across various locations in Istanbul. as with previous editions,admission will be free.
A Three-Year Artistic Journey
Under the direction of Kevser Güler and curated by Christine Tohmé, the Biennale will unfold over three years. The initial phase will showcase works by over 40 artists, accompanied by public performances, workshops, and conferences centered on planetary conservation and future possibilities.
The second phase will focus on establishing an Academy and fostering collaborations with diverse institutions. The final phase will involve reflection, culminating in a series of exhibitions and workshops.
Theme: Embracing Conversion and Resilience
The “Three-Legged Cat” theme draws inspiration from the animal’s ability to navigate and endure.According to the Biennale’s concept, the three-legged cat “sees a truce, questions the planetary horizon…imitates malice and makes room for transformation, finding comfort in the warmth of the sun.”
The Biennale acknowledges the pressures of forced migrations and environmental destruction, the event seeks to address the challenges of adapting to an increasingly complex world and striving for balance.
Here are two PAA (People, Actions, Artifacts) related questions suitable for the title “maddaloni Biennale & Istanbul Biennale: Your Burning Questions Answered”, based on the provided text:
Maddaloni Biennale & Istanbul Biennale: Your Burning Questions Answered
Dive deeper into the world of art, urban regeneration, and creative resilience with this Q&A, inspired by the articles on the Maddaloni Biennale and the upcoming Istanbul Biennale.
Maddaloni Biennale: Unveiling Art in Campania
What is the “Ama” Biennale and what’s its main goal?
The “Ama” Biennale, short for Arte + Maddaloni + Architettura (Art + maddaloni + Architecture), is an art exhibition in Maddaloni, Italy, aiming to revitalize the town through art, architecture, and community engagement.It seeks to spark urban regeneration by involving residents, schools, and ancient sites.
What kind of art is featured at the Maddaloni Biennale?
The Biennale showcases a variety of contemporary art installations, including works by Teresa Antignani, Fabrizio Vatieri, Roberto Amoroso, and Roberto di Alicudi. These pieces explore themes of female empowerment, historical echoes, ritual practices, urban disruptions, and social commentary through mediums like tapestries, votive offerings, and video installations.
How does the Biennale connect to Maddaloni’s history?
The Biennale acknowledges Maddaloni’s complex history, including its association with toxic waste, environmental crimes, and even a past name given by Mussolini. The art often confronts these challenging aspects, while also honoring figures like Franco Imposimato and celebrating the city’s cultural memory.
What role does the community play in the Biennale?
The Biennale actively involves Maddaloni’s 36,000 residents, schools, and historical sites. The event also uses public art spaces at the Convitto Giordano Bruno,the Santa Maria dei Comandati church,and other sites to create a platform for urban regeneration.
What is Zoosemiotics?
Zoosemiotics is the study of animal communication and signaling. At the Maddaloni Biennale, the installation “in stato di grazia” (In a State of Grace) uses brass figures to reflect on animality and the surprises of zoosemiotics.
Istanbul Biennale: A Global Outlook
What is the Istanbul Biennale?
The Istanbul Biennale is an international art exhibition held in Istanbul, Turkey. Organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV), it showcases contemporary art from around the world.
What is the theme of the 2025 Istanbul Biennale?
The theme for the 18th Istanbul Biennale, scheduled for 2025, is “The Three-Legged Cat.” It focuses on creative resilience in challenging times.
How does the “Three-Legged Cat” theme relate to the Biennale’s goals?
The “Three-Legged cat” theme represents the ability to navigate and endure, reflecting the Biennale’s aim to address the challenges of an increasingly complex world, including forced migrations and environmental destruction. The theme encourages adaptation and striving for balance.
Who is curating the 2025 Istanbul Biennale?
Kevser Güler, along with curator Christine Tohmé, will be directing the 2025 Biennale.
When and where will the 2025 Istanbul Biennale take place?
The 2025 Istanbul Biennale is scheduled to run from September 20 to November 23, 2025, across various locations in Istanbul. Admission will be free.
Ready to explore the power of art and its ability to shape our world? Consider visiting an upcoming Biennale or supporting local art initiatives in your community.
