At the edge of Italy, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, between Europe and Africa, is beautiful Sicily…or Sicilia Bedda, as locals would call their beloved ancient isle. Numerous cultures flourished here, which is why Sicily is home to incredible stories, traditions and folklore.
The Italian Cultural Institute, under the auspices of the Consulate General of Italy and in collaboration with Institutions such as the Getty Center, the City of Marsala, Parco Archeologico delle Isole di Stagnone and the City of Sciacca, made Losangelenos travel to Southern Italy, with a series of events dedicated to Sicilia Bedda.
There’s the photographic exhibition by Giuseppe Leone, Between Mozia & Lilibeo: Landscapes and Monuments of Sicily, which digs into the historic-archeological-naturalistic district of Marsala. A unique area, home to the breathtaking “saline”; here was discovered the Mozia charioteer, currently on view at the Getty Villa as part of the exhibition “Sicily: Art and Invention between Greece and Rome ”.
Mozia has in fact lent to the worldly renowned museum its jewel; “the unforgettable man” as IIC director Alberto Di Mauro called him. The story of its discovery was unveiled to the L.A. audience by Maria Luisa Famà, director of the Parco Archeologico e Ambientale – Isole dello Stagnone; the Sicilian archeologist was among those who discovered the precious statue, which can be now admired by Americans in the beautiful Villa of Malibu.
Precious jewels accompanied the photographic exhibition during this two week homage to Sicily. Daniela Neri brought to California her Salt Corals, handmade jewels that are the result of art, artisanship and history; these beautiful objects, made with salt from Marsala, are in fact a reproduction of those made in the 17th century in Trapani.
“A journey through poetic and suggestive images that guides the visitor through a virtual walk,” explain heads of the Parco Archeologico, “from the Stagnone of Marsala to Mozia, from the flourishing vineyards of the countryside to the Baglio Anselmi Museum, with the beautiful artworks that bear witness to the great ancient Lilibeo”.
Poetry that can also be found in Gianfranco Serraino’s documentary; Come on with the Oars (Forti I Paleddi) observes the rituals of swordfish fishing in the Strait of Messina, rituals that have been repeating for centuries, but still seem to remain a secret of the local fishermen.
And Sicily is also music, especially traditional music, brought to Los Angeles by the duo MusicAntica of Enzo Fina and Roberto Catalano, accompanied by the readings of actress Romina Caruana.
Ceramics finally, because Sicily is also a land of artisan tradition. From Sciacca come ceramics known all over the world for their fineness. “This is an ancient tradition that evolved in time”, explains director Di Mauro. “It looks at the past as well as to the future. Bringing it to California means giving to locals the chance to discover and appreciate such a beautiful art, which, differently from those pieces you can only admire in museums, can enter your homes”.
Ceramics from Sciacca in fact can be bought and enjoyed, contributing to the preservation of such a unique tradition.
A virtual tour of Sicily the one offered by Sicilia Bedda, that reveals the tight connection between landscape, art and history. Just a perfect “voyage” for this 2013, Year of the Italian Culture in the U.S.
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