Viral Human: virtual art installation links Venice plague and COVID

On June 25, 2023, artist Sara Grilli launched 'Viral Human', a virtual installation in Venice that connects the 1576 plague to the COVID-19 pandemic. The project is the second phase of a larger initiative by MiRNArte and Creative Motion, in partnership with Cryptoartitalia. It follows a call for entries, 'VIRAL HUMAN – Arte pubblica e Metaverso', which closed on May 31 and selected works from international artists, musicians, and professionals for a virtual exhibition. The installation uses the MiRNArte mobile app with binaural audio and a geolocated map to guide visitors through nine stops in Renaissance Venice, featuring characters like speziali and pizzigamorti, and exploring themes of faith, health, and death. The historical narrative is based on the book 'Venezia 1576, la peste', focusing on notary Rocco Benedetti, portrayed by actor Matteo Belli. Other actors include Emanuele Pasqualini, Eros Papadakis, and Meredith Airò Farulla, using lines from official documents in the Venice State Archives. Music from the period was performed by the Early Music Department of the Conservatorio Benedetto Marcello under Maestro Contadin, with a piece by Andrea Gabrieli from the Fondazione Ugo e Olga Levi. Contemporary COVID-19 narration is accompanied by music from Max Fuschetto. The installation runs until July 16, coinciding with the Festa del Redentore, established by the Doge to mark the end of the plague.