Angelo Bellobono's 'Mappa Appennino' at MAXXI L'Aquila

Angelo Bellobono (born 1964, Nettuno) presents 'Mappa Appennino', a five-year exploration of the Apennine mountains, opening May 12 at MAXXI L’Aquila. The exhibition, curated by Elisa Del Prete and Silvia Litardi of NOS Visual Arts Production, spans two venues: MAXXI and Fondazione Giorgio de Marchis Bonanni d’Ocre Onlus. Bellobono's large canvases capture the fragility, complexity, and topography of the Abruzzo Apennines, informed by direct encounters with the landscape. The show also features works by Chris Rocchegiani, Davide D’Elia, and Beatrice Meoni, who participated in the 'Linea1201' residency program. This diffuse residency involved four 'Campi Base' between summer and autumn 2020, starting in Lazio and Molise, then Basilicata, Valsamoggia (Bologna), and ending in Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park. Bellobono describes his paintings as a 'temporary stop' before continuing the journey. The artist's itinerary began with isolation at Capanna Charles Moulin on Monte Marrone, enriched by encounters with hikers, farmers, animals, and tutelary spirits. Two excursions accompany the exhibition: May 21 to Rifugio Malequagliata (m.1436) on Monte Ocre, and June 11 to Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi (from Campo Imperatore, ascending Gran Sasso). These walks retrace Bellobono's steps, blending painting, performance, and relational art with conviviality and respect for nature. The exhibition runs from May 12 to June 12 at both venues in L'Aquila.