Ritratto a Mano 2020: Open Call for Abruzzo Workshop-Residency with Francesco Arena

The sixth edition of the workshop-residency Ritratto a Mano, held from August 20 to 28, 2020, at the former Convento delle Clarisse in Caramanico Terme, Abruzzo, within the Majella National Park, is accepting applications until August 7, 2020. Twelve selected artists will work under the guidance of artist-tutor Francesco Arena (born 1978 in Torre Santa Susanna, Brindisi). The program, founded in 2014 by artists Angelo Bucciacchio and Giuseppe Pietroniro and curated by Giuliana Benassi, is organized in collaboration with Associazione ReTe2 as part of the Controconvento project. Previous tutors include Stefano Arienti, Giuseppe Pietroniro (2014), Simone Berti, Valentina Vetturi (2015), Gianni Caravaggio (2016), Jorge Peris (2018), and Josè Angelino (2019). The residency focuses on the artistic process rather than producing a final artwork, emphasizing dialogue with the site—a former convent with cloistered character and surrounding mountain landscape. Participants will explore the concept of measure (temporal and physical) in relation to reality, history, and the artwork. COVID-19 precautions include social distancing, facilitated by the isolated venue. Registration fees cover accommodation, tutor fee, and facility costs.