Emilio Isgrò creates image for AMACI's Contemporary Day

Emilio Isgrò (born 1937 in Barcellona di Sicilia) has been selected to create the official image for the 12th edition of the Contemporary Day (Giornata del Contemporaneo), organized annually by AMACI (Association of Italian Contemporary Art Museums). The event will take place on Saturday, October 15, 2016. Titled "Preghiera per l'Europa" (Prayer for Europe), the image depicts a canceled Europe extending beyond EU borders to embrace Mediterranean countries. Created in March 2016, before the UK referendum to leave the EU, the work reflects on geographical, political, and cultural divisions fueling nationalist sentiments. Isgrò, who is also presenting a triple solo exhibition in Milan at Palazzo Reale, Gallerie d'Italia, and Casa del Manzoni, stated that the prayer offers a confrontation with those on both sides of the Mediterranean seeking a "human face" for a world conditioned by war and conflict. He emphasized that art cannot change the universe alone but can transform despair into hope, and must be free from ideological and market conditioning to regain credibility. The artist was chosen by the directors of the 24 associated museums, continuing a tradition started in 2006 that previously featured Michelangelo Pistoletto, Maurizio Cattelan, Paola Pivi, Luigi Ontani, Stefano Arienti, Giulio Paolini, Francesco Vezzoli, Marzia Migliora, Adrian Paci, and Alfredo Pirri.