Three Must-See Summer Exhibitions in Cagliari

Three exhibitions in Cagliari offer cultural respites from beach routine. At Fondazione di Sardegna, 'Traces' by George Georgiou and Vanessa Winship presents 39 black-and-white photographs from a Sardinian residency, exploring the island's western coast and interior. The images depict abandoned military forts, dismantled signs, and industrial ruins, evoking solitude and memory. The exhibition is part of 'The Photo Solstice #6', curated by Marco Delogu, featuring public talks with Chiara Bertola, Cristiana Collu, Laurie Hurwitz, and Martina Mazzotta. Runs until September 30. At Fondazione per l’arte Bartoli Felter, Pablo Mesa Capella's 'Assenza' transforms memory into sculptural installations. Works include lunar bas-reliefs made with earth and sand, 'Souvenir di Marte' in semispheres, and a forest of small altars using recycled boat wood. The exhibition incorporates theatrical irony and references to Andalusian Baroque, with a vitreous bell showing Christological elements and reworked WWII artifacts. Closes July 26. At MUTSEU, 'Viaggio nella spiritualità dell’arte contemporanea' pairs Ermenegildo Atzori (born 1969, Cagliari) and Franco D’Aspro (1911–1995, Mondovì). Atzori's monumental sculptures evoke Byzantine and early medieval Cagliari, depicting souls transitioning to the afterlife, alongside a lead Vanitas of three skulls. D’Aspro contributes a series of crucifixes exploring Christ's passion and human suffering. The exhibition runs until October 6.