Contemporary Locus Opens in Bergamo's Former Air Raid Shelter

Contemporary Locus, an initiative that since 2012 has been reactivating forgotten spaces in Bergamo through contemporary art, this year takes over the ex Albergo Diurno. Originally built as an air raid shelter and later converted after World War II into a public facility with hygiene, commercial, and recreational functions, the space closed permanently in 1978. Curated by Paola Tognon, the 2017 edition features site-specific works by two international artists: Kader Attia (born 1970 in Saint-Denis, France) and Alvin Curran (born 1938 in Providence, USA). Curran created 'Concerto per vasca da bagno e orchestra,' a moving musical piece derived from the architecture's circular structure, with each room hosting an independent musician. Attia presents his film 'Reflecting Memory,' which won the Prix Marcel Duchamp in 2016, along with a large sculpture referencing La Colonie, his Parisian art space. The film will have a special Italian screening on May 28. The exhibition highlights the panopticon-like layout of the venue, which informed the selection of works.