The exhibition “Federico Fellini: From Drawing to Direction,” currently taking place at MuSa in Salò, offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of the renowned Italian director. The exhibition, which will remain open until August 31, 2025, aims to explore Fellini’s artistic evolution through a selection of graphic works and materials that narrate his extraordinary career.
The interest in this exhibition is palpable, especially following the recent showcase dedicated to F. Ferretti at the Vittoriale, a well-known set designer for Fellini’s films. As highlighted by some local critics, the visual experience provided by MuSa is capable of evoking nostalgia and reflection in visitors, inviting them to rediscover the creative genius of a master of cinema.
A Master of Cinema and Visual Art
The biography of Federico Fellini is captivating: from a young age, he earned a living by drawing caricatures and sketches. These early steps in visual art laid the groundwork for his future cinematic works. The exhibition features several self-portraits and works that highlight the connection between fantasy and reality, childhood and maturity. Among the displayed pieces are some of his most evocative illustrations, such as the colorful nocturne featured in his “Diario/Il libro dei sogni,” which invites contemplation.
Artistic Collaborations
An interesting aspect of the exhibition is represented by collaborations with key figures in Italian cinematography. Notable names include Nino Rota, Tonino Guerra, and Ennio Flaiano. The photographs on display testify not only to Fellini’s artistic genius but also to the human relationships he cultivated throughout his professional journey.
Although the curators of the exhibition have presented unpublished works thanks to collaboration with the Fondation Fellini pour le Cinéma and other prestigious entities, there is a certain curiosity regarding the lack of synergy with exhibitions already held elsewhere. It is hoped that there will be opportunities for future collaborations between the organizers of various exhibitions dedicated to Fellini.
Fellini’s Iconic Films
The retrospective is not limited to drawings but also encompasses the iconic films that have marked the history of Italian cinema. The posters of films such as “Roma,” “Amarcord,” and “Le notti di Cabiria” are integral to the exhibition, evoking vivid memories for cinephiles. The inclusion of the director’s more recent works signifies a shift towards more complex narratives where reality and dreams intertwine in ever-new ways.
Special Events
At the conclusion of the exhibition, a short film created by Francesca Fabbri Fellini, the maestro’s granddaughter, inspired by a drawing made by her uncle in 1971, will be screened. This event culminates a celebration lasting over one hundred thirty years since the birth of Italian cinematography.
MuSa offers special hours during the summer: from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM, with special exceptions planned for Monday, August 11.
This exhibition thus represents not only a tribute to Federico Fellini but also a celebration of the cultural legacy left by three significant directors from Salò: Stefano Cipani, Luigi Comencini, and Angio Zanetti.
Italian Version
