Peter Marcias' Documentary 'Looking for Nivola' Explores Sardinian Artist Costantino Nivola
'Looking for Nivola', a documentary directed by Peter Marcias, focuses on the life of Costantino Nivola, a Sardinian artist who left Orani for the U.S. during the Fascist era and became influential in American public art. Marcias discovered Nivola's work in 2018 while producing a short film commemorating the 50th anniversary of Nivola's pieces at Sa Itria. The documentary includes unique archival footage along with insights from his assistant Peter Chermayeff, family members, and residents of Orani. It debuted at the Rome Film Festival and is set for international screenings, particularly in the U.S., where Nivola's 'Cavallini' sculptures were preserved. In Italy, it will be showcased at Triennale Milano and Palazzo delle Esposizioni.
Key facts
- Peter Marcias directed the documentary 'Looking for Nivola' about Sardinian artist Costantino Nivola.
- Nivola emigrated from Orani to the US during Fascism and became a major figure in American public art.
- Marcias first encountered Nivola in 2018 while making a short film for the 50th anniversary of Nivola's work at the church of Sa Itria.
- The documentary includes rare archival footage from American sources, some unknown to Nivola's family.
- Testimonies feature Nivola's assistant Peter Chermayeff, family, collaborating architects, and Orani residents.
- Nivola's 'Cavallini' sculptures at the Twin Towers plaza were saved from removal by public mobilization, with The New York Times covering the restoration.
- The film premiered at the Rome Film Festival and will screen internationally, including in the US and at Italian venues like Triennale Milano and Palazzo delle Esposizioni.
- Marcias describes the documentary as a journey into Nivola's creative and human freedom, blending cinema and art.
Entities
Artists
- Costantino Nivola
- Peter Marcias
- Piera Degli Esposti
- Nilde Iotti
- Peter Chermayeff
Institutions
- Artribune
- Festa del Cinema di Roma
- Triennale Milano
- Palazzo delle Esposizioni
- The New York Times
Locations
- Orani
- Nuorese
- Sardinia
- Italy
- United States
- New York
- Milano
- Roma
- Sa Itria