The Art of Seriousness and the Seriousness of Art
Ah, Siena, the land of fine wine, rich history, and… sculptures of dubious artistic merit? Tomorrow, Wednesday 27 November, the University for Foreigners of Siena will be hosting not one, but two events that promise to be a treat for the senses. Or, at the very least, a treat for those who enjoy being treated to a mix of high-brow art and somber social commentary.
First off, at 3 pm in the Virginia Woolf auditorium (because what’s an Italian university without a nod to a British literary icon?), we have the exhibition "Onofrio Pepe. The colors of the myth". I must admit, I’m intrigued by the use of "myth" in the title. Is Onofrio Pepe a mythic figure in the art world? Has he achieved a level of fame that transcends the mere mortal realm? Or is it just a fancy way of saying "he’s got some nice colors"? The exhibition promises six sculptures, including some that have never been seen before, and fourteen paintings that represent the artist’s latest journey. I’m not sure what kind of journey Pepe has been on, but I hope it’s not a journey into the heart of madness, because that would make for a very uncomfortable art exhibition.
The event will be introduced by a veritable who’s who of Italian academia, including Rector Tomaso Montanari, art historian Dominique-Charles Fuchs, Professor Francesco Gurrieri, and the abbot of San Miniato Father Bernardo Gianni. I’m not sure what the abbot’s role is in all this, but I’m guessing he’s there to provide some spiritual guidance… or to bless the art with a sprinkle of holy water, just in case it’s not good enough on its own.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! At 5.30 pm, the same Virginia Woolf auditorium will host an interactive event called "Questa rossa storia" (which, roughly translated, means "This red story"). Now, I’m not sure what kind of story this is going to be, but I’m hoping it’s not a retelling of "The Red Shoes" with a bunch of PhD students prancing around in ballet shoes. Although, that would be kind of amazing.
In all seriousness, "Questa rossa storia" is an event that aims to raise awareness about violence against women, and it’s part of the program "Never alone again" promoted by the Municipality of Siena. The event will feature a collective of students and PhD students sharing their own stories of violence or harassment, which will then be performed by the Gross Sleep Viola collective. I must say, I’m a bit concerned about the name of this collective – "Gross Sleep Viola" sounds like a condition you’d get from eating too much cheese before bedtime.
All joking aside, this is a very important event, and I applaud the university for taking a stand against violence against women. It’s a serious issue that requires serious attention, and I’m glad to see that Siena is taking steps to address it.
So, there you have it – two events that promise to be thought-provoking, intellectually stimulating, and possibly even entertaining. Who knows, you might even learn something. And if not, well, there’s always the wine.
University of Siena Marks two pivotal milestones in its community’s rich cultural tapestry on Wednesday, November 27, commencing at 3 pm in the esteemed Virginia Woolf auditorium, with the highly anticipated exhibition “Onofrio Pepe. The Colors of the Myth”. This captivating showcase boasts six thought-provoking sculptures – several of which are being unveiled for the very first time by the visionary artist Onofrio Pepe – and fourteen evocative paintings, collectively epitomizing the artist’s latest groundbreaking artistic endeavors.
Following the inaugural greetings delivered by the University’s Rector, the venerable Tomaso Montanari, a distinguished panel of art connoisseurs including the erudite art historian Dominique-Charles Fuchs, and the accomplished Professor Francesco Gurrieri, will offer insightful commentary, complemented by an address from the Abbot of San Miniato, Father Bernardo Gianni, promising a truly enriching intellectual experience.
At 5:30 pm, within the same prestigious Aula Magna Virginia Woolf, the University will proudly participate in the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, through a deeply moving event, “Questa rossa storia” (This Red Story), brought to life by the innovative Gross Sleep Viola collective. Born from an initiative by CUG – Unistrasi, this poignant event serves as a platform for students and PhD students to share anonymously, via an online form, either their personal or someone else’s harrowing experiences of violence, harassment, or testimonials.
Their remarkable stories, poetry, and testimonials will then be transformed and narrated on November 27th by Big Sleep Viola, in a groundbreaking confluence of music, performances, and impactful spoken words, under the able guidance of the University’s Rector, Tomaso Montanari. This impactful initiative aligns perfectly with the broader program of events titled “Never Alone Again,” a forward-thinking endeavor spearheaded by the Municipality of Siena.
