Ecce Homo: Italian Sculpture Exhibition at Mole Vanvitelliana in Ancona

The exhibition 'Ecce Homo' at the Mole Vanvitelliana in Ancona, curated by Flavio Arensi, presents works by major Italian figurative sculptors from the second half of the 20th century, exploring the theme of 'body and matter' in an era of dematerialization. The show features pieces by Enzo Cucchi, Luigi Ontani, Arturo Martini, Gino Marotta, Enrico Baj, Mirko Basaldella, Alik Cavaliere, Giacomo Manzù, Mimmo Paladino, and Fausto Melotti, with Melotti's 'Sette savi di Atene' exhibited outside Milan for the first time. Organized by the Comune di Ancona and Fondazione Cariverona, the exhibition runs until May 7, 2017. The review raises concerns about the relevance of focusing on physical sculpture today, the emotional approach contrasting with historical analysis, and the installation's interference with the works. Some sculptures will remain permanently at the Mole, but the critic questions whether this benefits the city or private collections, and suggests instead supporting young artists and regional production. The reviewer calls for a more contextualized approach to local artists like Eliseo Mattiacci, Arnaldo Pomodoro, Pericle Fazzini, Osvaldo Licini, Mario Sasso, and Blu.