ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Stefania Galegati's 'L'isola deserta e altre storie' at Museo Regionale d'Arte Moderna di Palermo

exhibition · 2026-04-26

Stefania Galegati (Ravenna, 1973) presents the installation 'L'isola deserta e altre storie' at the Museo Regionale d'Arte Moderna di Palermo, developed over six months with female inmates. The work comprises a model island covered with writings by the detainees and a video showing them crafting objects (clay, sewing, painting) while narrating their experiences. Galegati positions herself as a modern Euriclea, using memory as wound and regeneration. The installation transforms the prison's 'confession' into judgment-free narration, creating a space where inmates reclaim subjectivity through 'speaking words'—unexpected deviations from institutional language. One poignant detail is a letter marked 'scarcerata' (released), symbolizing regained freedom. The project challenges the prison's total control over time and space, fostering a narrative community that transcends walls. Marcello Faletra authored the article on Artribune.

Key facts

  • Stefania Galegati created 'L'isola deserta e altre storie' at Museo Regionale d'Arte Moderna di Palermo.
  • The installation includes a model island with writings by female inmates and a video of them making crafts.
  • The project involved a six-month workshop with detainees.
  • Galegati compares herself to Euriclea, emphasizing memory as wound and regeneration.
  • A letter with 'scarcerata' (released) written on it is highlighted as a 'speaking word'.
  • The work aims to create a judgment-free narrative space for inmates.
  • The installation challenges the prison's control over time and space.
  • Marcello Faletra wrote the article on Artribune.

Entities

Artists

  • Stefania Galegati
  • Marcello Faletra

Institutions

  • Museo Regionale d'Arte Moderna di Palermo
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Ravenna
  • Italy
  • Palermo

Sources