Mario Schifano's 'Cosmo' returns to stage in Pescara

Mario Schifano's monumental circular painting 'Cosmo' (over seven meters in diameter) returns to its original function as a performance stage in 'Cosmogonia', a dance, theatre, and music spectacle at the Cineteatro Circus in Pescara on January 26, 2023, marking the 25th anniversary of Schifano's death. The work was originally created in 1991 for the theatrical piece 'Due madri' in collaboration with composer Marco Schiavoni, choreographer Aurelio Gatti, and director Patrick Latronica. In 2020, 'Cosmo' was acquired by Fondazione Pescarabruzzo during a sale accompanied by performances at Teatro Basilica in Rome. The event is part of the exhibition 'Mario Schifano. Il trionfo della Pop Art italiana' at Imago Museum, open since January 1, 2023. The performance features actor Sebastiano Tringali, vocalist Chiara Meschini, and dancers Carlotta Bruni, Rosa Merlino, Paola Saribas, Matteo Gentiluomo, and Elisa Carta Carosi. Aurelio Gatti, artistic director of MDA Danza, recalls that the concept was defined in few meetings in Piazza del Popolo and the work was created in less than a week. He emphasizes the intention to celebrate Schifano's 'pleasure of discovery', comparing him to Eratosthenes. Fondazione Pescarabruzzo President Nicola Mattoscio describes the painted carpet as 'a unicum in art history' and thanks the Società del Teatro e della Musica for including the show in their concert series.