Crossing Paths: Contemporary Art in an Ancient Stone Quarry in Valchiavenna
From June 19 to 28, 2026, a group of eight artists teamed up with geologists, researchers, and local experts in the Valchiavenna valley to merge artistic expression with scientific inquiry. This initiative, spearheaded by the Stazione per lo Studio dell'Ambiente Alpino at the University of Milan's Department of Earth Sciences 'Ardito Desio', turned the area into a vibrant experimental space. The exhibition, called 'Crossing Paths – Stories of Vulnerability and Resilience', is set to debut on September 4 at the Caurga, an ancient soapstone quarry located in the Parco Archeologico Botanico del Paradiso in Chiavenna. Artists involved, including Giulia Facchin and Maicol Formolli, will showcase works that convey scientific insights and emphasize the region's delicate balance and potential for recovery.
Key facts
- Eight artists participated in a residency in Valchiavenna from June 19-28, 2026.
- The residency was promoted by the Stazione per lo Studio dell'Ambiente Alpino, part of the Department of Earth Sciences 'Ardito Desio' at the University of Milan.
- The exhibition 'Crossing Paths – Stories of Vulnerability and Resilience' opens September 4 at the Caurga in the Parco Archeologico Botanico del Paradiso in Chiavenna.
- The Caurga is an ancient soapstone quarry and a deep rock fissure separating the 'Paradiso' and 'Castellaccio' hills.
- Artists include Giulia Facchin, Maicol Formolli, Chiara Peruch, Gioele Provenzano, Anna Quaranta, Giorgia Tognoli, Umberto Zanette, and Rebecca Zen.
- Works include sculptures, photographs, site-specific installations, sound works, and material experiments.
- The project aimed to fuse science and art, focusing on hydrogeological instability and climate crisis in the alpine region.
- The exhibition is located in Valchiavenna, in the province of Sondrio, Lombardy, Italy.
Entities
Artists
- Giulia Facchin
- Maicol Formolli
- Chiara Peruch
- Gioele Provenzano
- Anna Quaranta
- Giorgia Tognoli
- Umberto Zanette
- Rebecca Zen
Institutions
- Stazione per lo Studio dell'Ambiente Alpino
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra 'Ardito Desio'
- Università degli Studi di Milano
- Parco Archeologico Botanico del Paradiso
- Artribune
Locations
- Valchiavenna
- Chiavenna
- Sondrio
- Lombardy
- Italy