ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Gianluca Vassallo's SPOP project tackles Sardinia's depopulation crisis

exhibition · 2026-05-05

Gianluca Vassallo's SPOP project addresses Sardinia's alarming depopulation, with projections indicating 31 municipalities may be entirely deserted by 2060. Selected communities include Bortigiadas, Nughedu San Nicolò, and Semestene, with a focus on the 'circumference of solitude.' Funded by Fondazione di Sardegna and AR/S – Arte Condivisa in Sardegna, the initiative involves scientific research from the Sardarch collective and photography by Nicolò Galeazzi. An exhibition curated by Roberto Cremascoli will debut in October, featuring large-format resident portraits and video art. A publication will accompany the showcase, highlighting these communities' stories.

Key facts

  • 31 municipalities in Sardinia are projected to be completely depopulated by 2060.
  • Gianluca Vassallo selected 10 communities for the SPOP project.
  • Vassallo used a 'circumference of solitude' parameter based on available physical space.
  • The project is promoted by Fondazione di Sardegna under AR/S – Arte Condivisa in Sardegna.
  • Sardarch collective provides scientific research; Nicolò Galeazzi assists with photography.
  • Large-format posters of residents were displayed on building walls.
  • The exhibition is curated by Roberto Cremascoli, co-curator of the Portugal Pavilion at the 15th Venice Architecture Biennale.
  • The exhibition will open in October and include video art and a publication.

Entities

Artists

  • Gianluca Vassallo
  • Nicolò Galeazzi
  • Francesco Cocco
  • Matteo Lecis Cocco-Ortu
  • Nicolò Fenu
  • Roberto Cremascoli

Institutions

  • Fondazione di Sardegna
  • AR/S – Arte Condivisa in Sardegna
  • Sardarch
  • Centro Regionale di Programmazione della Regione Autonoma della Sardegna
  • Artribune
  • Padiglione Portogallo
  • Biennale di Architettura a Venezia

Locations

  • Sardinia
  • Italy
  • Bortigiadas
  • Nughedu San Nicolò
  • Semestene
  • Giave
  • Padria
  • Monteleone Rocca Doria
  • Esterzili
  • Ussassai
  • Armungia
  • Aidomaggiore
  • Venice

Sources