Fondazione Oelle's 2020 Program in Catania: Photography, Basilico Retrospective, and Phil Stern Pavilion

Fondazione Oelle-Mediterraneo Antico, led by president Ornella Laneri, has announced an extensive 2020 program in Catania and Sicily, positioning the year as an international photography focus. The initiative includes exhibitions, talks, workshops, and collaborations with Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, the Academy of Fine Arts of Catania, and other local institutions. A major highlight is a retrospective of Gabriele Basilico (1944-2013), curated by Filippo Maggia, opening July 2 at Palazzo della Cultura-Cortile Platamone in Catania, featuring 50 large-format works from 1984 to 2012. The project "GE/19 Boiling Projects da Guarene all'Etna" launched February 21 across three venues: Taormina (ex Chiesa del Carmine and Fondazione Mazzullo) and Aci Castello (fOn Art Gallery at Four Points by Sheraton), showcasing 26 Italian photographers including Luca Andreoni, Antonio Biasiucci, and Francesco Jodice. A permanent exhibition of 70 photographs by Phil Stern (1919-2014) documenting the 1943 Allied landings in Sicily and Hollywood celebrities is housed at the Phil Stern Pavilion at Le Ciminiere, curated by Ezio Costanzo. In September, photojournalist Michael Christopher Brown will have a solo show at the pavilion, accompanied by workshops. The foundation will also host workshops and masterclasses with photographers like Pino Musi starting in March and April. Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo spoke at the program's presentation about the role of foundations in contemporary Italy.