Capo d’Arte Turns Ten: Stéphane Villard and Gaëlle Gabillet Open 'Ghost Bless You'

Capo d’Arte, a non-profit organization, marks its tenth anniversary in Gagliano del Capo, Italy, from 2009 to 2019. Established by Francesco Petrucci and Francesca Bonomo, this festival has turned the secluded Salento village into a center for contemporary artistic exploration. Throughout the past decade, numerous artists, such as Shilpa Gupta, Soundwalk Collective, and Michelangelo Pistoletto, have produced site-specific installations. For the 2019 celebration, French designers Stéphane Villard (born 1973) and Gaëlle Gabillet (born 1976) showcase 'Ghost Bless You' at Palazzo Daniele, open until September 1. This exhibition includes five large terracotta sculptures with inflatable features, drawing inspiration from local crafts and protective symbols. Since 2016, Capo d’Arte has collaborated with the French Academy in Rome – Villa Medici, hosting two fellows each year. Petrucci remarks that the festival has transformed Gagliano from an overlooked 'blank slate' into a sought-after international art venue, drawing a sophisticated audience for its opening weekend.