Stefano Cerio's 'Aquila' Photographs Inflatable Structures in L'Aquila's Mountains
Published in 2022 by Hatje Cantz, Stefano Cerio's book 'Aquila' showcases images of inflatable structures set against the mountainous backdrop of L'Aquila, Italy. The square-format volume features a red PVC cover that mirrors the inflatables. Cerio captures play structures in sites such as Campo Felice ski resort and Campo Imperatore, where Mussolini was held after July 25, 1943. This project, a response to the 2009 earthquake, aims to provide healing through inflatable castles and churches placed in vacant areas for photography. Some of his works are displayed at the MAXXI museum in L'Aquila. Critic Chiodi highlights the commentary on utopia and modern entertainment. Cerio, who works in both Rome and Paris, has examined amusement parks worldwide, questioning the nature of joy versus illusion.
Key facts
- Stefano Cerio published the book 'Aquila' with Hatje Cantz in 2022.
- The book features photographs of inflatable structures in the mountains around L'Aquila, Italy.
- The volume has a square format with a red PVC cover.
- Locations include Campo Felice, Campo Imperatore on Gran Sasso, and Pescasseroli.
- Campo Imperatore was where Benito Mussolini was imprisoned after July 25, 1943.
- Campo Imperatore was named by Frederick II of Swabia.
- Pescasseroli is the birthplace of Benedetto Croce.
- The project responds to the 2009 earthquake that devastated L'Aquila.
- Cerio created large inflatable castles and churches as an homage to destroyed structures.
- Some photos are exhibited at the MAXXI museum in L'Aquila.
- Critic Chiodi contributed a text referencing Alberto Savinio, UFO Group, and Franco Mazzucchelli.
- Cerio lives in Rome and Paris and has previously photographed amusement parks worldwide.
- The book has 122 pages and costs €38.
- ISBN: 9783775753203.
Entities
Artists
- Stefano Cerio
- Alberto Savinio
- Franco Mazzucchelli
- Stefano Chiodi
Institutions
- Hatje Cantz
- MAXXI
- Gruppo UFO
- Artribune
Locations
- L'Aquila
- Italy
- Campo Felice
- Campo Imperatore
- Gran Sasso
- Pescasseroli
- Rome
- Paris
- China
- Berlin
- Stuttgart
- Abruzzo