Nicola Samorì's Black Square: A Site-Specific Project Across Two Naples Venues
Nicola Samorì, born in 1977 in Forlì, unveils a site-specific exhibition entitled Black Square in Naples, hosted at Made in Cloister and MANN, with Demetrio Paparoni as curator. This exhibition delves into the historical context, materials, and symbols of Naples, launching in the cloister adjacent to Porta Capuana, which dates back to 1484. A highlight of the show is Drummer, a towering five-meter sculpture crafted from volcanic lapilli, set upon a black carpet of 1,300 miniature heads, resonating with the Villa dei Papiri collection at MANN. The cloister also showcases oil-and-sulfur works by José de Ribera and Luca Giordano, six frescoes depicting Marsyas, and small onyx paintings. Samorì's initial impactful experience in Naples occurred in 2001, followed by his return in 2009, leading to a collaboration with Paparoni starting in late 2014.
Key facts
- Nicola Samorì (born 1977, Forlì) presents Black Square in Naples.
- The exhibition is held at Made in Cloister and the MANN.
- Curated by Demetrio Paparoni.
- Drummer is a five-meter-tall sculpture covered in volcanic lapilli.
- 1,300 miniature heads made of grès and black oxide are scattered on a black carpet.
- Paintings on copper by José de Ribera and Luca Giordano are included.
- Six consecutive frescoes based on the Marsyas sculpture are shown.
- A life-sized onyx head of San Gennaro features 'dried blood'.
- Samorì modeled Drummer from December 27 to January 6 in an unheated shed.
- The collaboration with Paparoni started in late 2014.
Entities
Artists
- Nicola Samorì
- Demetrio Paparoni
- José de Ribera
- Luca Giordano
- Cosimo Fanzago
Institutions
- Made in Cloister
- MANN (Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli)
- Artribune
Locations
- Naples
- Forlì
- Porta Capuana
- Santa Caterina a Formiello
- Villa dei Papiri
- Ercolano
- Naples Cathedral
- Iceland