Matera 2019: Ars Excavandi and Matera Alberga Exhibitions
In 2019, Matera was designated as the European Capital of Culture and is currently showcasing two exhibitions: Ars Excavandi and Matera Alberga. Curated by Pietro Laureano, Ars Excavandi explores excavation techniques and underground art, addressing themes such as Air, Fire, Eros, Water, and Earth, and covers the timeline from Neanderthals to Homo Sapiens. The exhibitions are held at Palazzo Ridola and Palazzo Lanfranchi, where attendees can earn a "digital nomad" certificate. Matera Alberga, overseen by Francesco Cascino and Christian Caliandro, features contemporary artworks in hotels, with contributions from artists like Alfredo Pirri and Dario Carmentano. MUSMA displays approximately 400 sculptures from the 20th century, while the Cripta del Peccato Originale showcases frescoes from the 8th to 9th centuries. Culinary experiences include Ristorante Vitantonio Lombardo and Osteria di San Francesco, and Sextantio provides lodging in 18 caves.
Key facts
- Ars Excavandi is curated by Pietro Laureano, who promoted UNESCO listing of Sassi and Murgia in 1993.
- Ars Excavandi covers themes: Air, Fire, Eros, Water, Earth.
- Exhibition venues include Palazzo Ridola and hypogea of Palazzo Lanfranchi.
- Matera Alberga installs permanent contemporary art in hotels, curated by Francesco Cascino and Christian Caliandro.
- Artists in Matera Alberga: Alfredo Pirri, Filippo Riniolo, Dario Carmentano, Giuseppe Stampone, Georgina Starr, Salvatore Arancio.
- MUSMA houses about 400 sculptures from the 20th century.
- Cripta del Peccato Originale has 8th-9th century frescoes by Pittore dei Fiori di Matera.
- Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita offers accommodation in 18 caves.
Entities
Artists
- Pietro Laureano
- Alfredo Pirri
- Filippo Riniolo
- Dario Carmentano
- Giuseppe Stampone
- Georgina Starr
- Salvatore Arancio
- Arman
- Bay
- Colombo
- Consagra
- Fioroni
- Melotti
- Mondino
- Ontani
- Staccioli
- Wildt
- Arena
- De Robilant
- Tranquilli
- Pittore dei Fiori di Matera
- Vitantonio Lombardo
- Enzo Viti
- Teresa Lupo
- Francesco Cascino
- Christian Caliandro
- Marilena Di Tursi
Institutions
- Matera Capitale europea della cultura 2019
- Polo Museale della Basilicata
- MUSMA – Museo della Scultura Contemporanea
- Palazzo Pomarici
- Cripta del Peccato Originale
- Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita
- Ristorante Vitantonio Lombardo
- Osteria di San Francesco
- Palazzo Porcari
- Artribune
- Corriere del Mezzogiorno
- Corriere della Sera
- Segno arte contemporanea
Locations
- Matera
- Italy
- Sassi di Matera
- Murgia
- Palazzo Ridola
- Palazzo Lanfranchi
- Corte San Pietro
- Locanda di San Martino
- Le Dimore dell'Idris
- Hotel del Campo
- Sextantio
- Casa Diva
- Lascaux
- France
- Porto Badisco
- Civita
- Gravina