Nino Longobardi's 'Apparenze' at Castel del Monte

Nino Longobardi (Naples, 1953) presents 'Apparenze', a solo exhibition curated by Achille Bonito Oliva and coordinated by Dafna Napoli in collaboration with Nova Apulia, at Castel del Monte. The show, promoted by Polo Museale della Puglia to enhance architectural heritage access, occupies all rooms of the castle, from the courtyard's large sculpture to upper and lower floors. A lying Christ overwhelms the octagonal perimeter with its scenic presence, where resin gives way to iron scrolls. The exhibition explores oppositions between surface (appearance) and interior (substance and memento), featuring skeletons supporting human figures, emptied chairs with upside-down heads, and craniums violated by objects like trumpets or glasses. Religious suggestions pass through Baroque memories into ironic re-readings, such as 'Pop Mortem', a crucifix on lamb heads. Art historical references include homages to van Gogh and Magritte-like severed feet. In the last room, 'Gute Shlafen Federico' offers a goodnight to Frederick II with a bed on human debris.