Spatium: 35 Artists Transform Bergamo Plains into Open-Air Exhibition

The exhibition 'Spatium' brings together 35 artists and a filmmaker across multiple venues in the Bergamo plains, curated by Angela Madesani. The artists were invited to interpret the macro-category of 'space' in dialogue with the host territory, which features exceptional yet little-known sites. Madesani describes these locations as 'anti white cube' spaces that foster a close dialogue between ancient and contemporary. Works—including sculpture, installation, video, photography, and painting—were chosen by the artists based on the suggestions generated by the sites, exploring themes of humanity's relationship with the past, self, contemporary society, and language. Madesani compares her curatorial role to that of a film director selecting actors for different stages, aiming to offer visitors a red thread connecting the various venues. The selection favors young, active artists, with exceptions for the late Hidetoshi Nagasawa and Riccardo Camoni (born 1950). The exhibition exemplifies collaboration between local administrations and creative professionals, restoring art's role as both 'high' inquiry and pleasurable experience, becoming itself a 'place' and a journey. The event also serves as a recommendation to discover an authentic territory.