Nature and civilization, the strength of primordial elements and the traces left by man in history, the wonder of places enhanced by the imprint of one of the great contemporary sculptors. Monumental works inspired by the human figure handed down by the classics with the unmistakable sign of a master of modernity who invites us to see by going beyond the act of looking, to reflect on human destiny intertwined with the passage of time.
The largest open-air exhibition ever created to tell the story of Igor Mitoraj promises powerful emotions and until 31 October brings together 27 of his impressive works in bronze, cast iron, travertine and resin in three magical Sicilian places, the archaeological area of Syracuse, Ortigia and the Etna park. The enormous full figures, the busts and the faces in which the eyes are often covered by bandages stand out among the archaeological remains of Greek and Roman theaters and amphitheaters and in the lunar landscape of the island's great volcano, in a succession of suggestions.
''Mitoraj. Lo Sguardo - Humanitas - Physys'', open since March 26, is curated by Luca Pizzi, artistic director of the Atelier Mitoraj, who was a close collaborator of the Polish sculptor who died in 2014 for 23 years, by Paolo Patanè, responsible for production executive, and Roberto Grossi, cultural and creative director. Tourists and enthusiasts will be able to admire 25 works in the Neapolis archaeological park in Syracuse while the bronze "Teseo Screpolato" is at 1700 meters on the lava stones of Etna and the winged sculpture "Ikaria" looks towards the Mediterranean from the space in front of the Maniace Castle in Ortigia , symbol of the meeting between peoples and cultures.
It was not easy and required a long preliminary work to transport and place the grandiose works such as the "Dedalus", a bronze sculpture placed next to the Ear of Dionysius, or the "Torso Croce", Arena Verona, a gigantic work in resin, which recalls to redemption and inner renewal in the Saltpeter Cave. The exhibition-event will be officially inaugurated on April 16th in the Neapolis archaeological area with a theatrical and musical performance with over 40 artists, written and directed by Gisella Calì with unpublished music by Lello Analfino which will highlight the spiritual journey, between myths and heroes , by Ikaro, A modern man, towards change and Beauty.
''If Mitoraj saw this exhibition he would really like it'' said Jean Paul Sabatiè, president of the Atelier, presenting the exhibition today in Rome and recalling that the opening of the museum dedicated to the sculptor in Pietrasanta is expected in the spring of 2025, the Tuscan city where the artist lived and worked since 1983, fascinated by the Carrara marble.
''This exhibition represents a unique event for the site-specific placement of the works. The statues in this union revitalize historical places. Mitoraj's gaze is the gaze of all of us'' underlined Roberto Grossi. This exhibition closes a cycle, observed Paolo Patanè, recalling the first exhibition in Noto interrupted in 2020 due to Covid and the second in Piazza Armerina organized after the emergency.
''We have built a journey where even the gazes of the statues unite with each other - said Luca Pizzi -. An itinerary of glances that wants to mark the transition from looking to seeing, a path of awareness that relies on Nature, Beauty and Mystery. The gaze is the metaphysical one of the works, blinded, blindfolded, without eyes but capable of reading, understanding and welcoming even the distant and invisible".