Ultrablu atelier moves to larger space in Rome, uniting neurodivergent and neurotypical artists

Ultrablu, the Rome-based atelier that integrates neurodivergent artists (including those with autism) alongside neurotypical artists, has relocated to a larger venue at Piazza Amerigo Capponi in the Ottaviano district near St. Peter's. Founded by Virgilio Mollicone and Monica Nicoletti, members of the International Association for Art and Psychology (IAAP), Ultrablu rejects a therapeutic or tutoring model, instead fostering equal collaboration. The new space features a library, café, and digital area for video-animation projects like Giacomo Calderoni's dystopian "Neo Genesi." The library's inaugural exhibition showcases Emanuele Cantoro's illustrated book published by Sigaretten, with a live painting performance on February 26, 2022, accompanied by live music from Quomo. The official opening in April will feature a group retrospective curated by Arianna Desideri titled "Lontano vicinissimo ultrablu," presenting works by Ultrablu artists arranged by visual and thematic affinities under categories called 'dimensions.' The library's book selection follows Édouard Glissant's concept of Diversalism, avoiding rigid labels and including LGBTQAI+ studies, neuroscience (including Nodes magazine issue 13 on autism), and interdisciplinary works. Ultrablu's publishing house produces hybrid projects blending comics, graphics, and painting through collaborations between internal and external artists. The space also hosts presentations, exhibitions, live music, and workshops.