Two new exhibitions inaugurated at the Historic Creberg Palace in Bergamo aim to create an intriguing dialogue with the Vittoriale degli Italiani. The exhibitions, dedicated to the artist Ugo Riva and the photographer Andrea Sbardellati, provide a profound reflection on contemporary art and its connection to history.
The main installation by Ugo Riva, titled “La Scala d’Oro” (The Golden Staircase), consists of a series of sculptures that also include historically renewed works by the artist, such as “L’Arca della Speranza” (The Ark of Hope) and “Davanti al Mistero” (Before the Mystery). These pieces are placed in the Main Hall of the palace, creating an evocative atmosphere that invites contemplation.
In the Loggia, visitors can admire sketches and preparatory drawings by the artist, alongside the photographic project by Andrea Sbardellati titled “Animula. Visions of a Journey Inspired by the Genius Loci of the Vittoriale.” This project was suggested by Riva himself and features his extraordinary works within the Park of the Vittoriale.
During the inauguration of the exhibition, Ugo Riva received the prestigious “Montale fuori di casa National and International Award – Art Section,” an important recognition for his artistic career. Born in Bergamo in 1951, Riva has developed a strong bond with the city and its cultural institutions, embarking on his sculptural career after working for many years at Creberg (now BPM).
The sculptures on display visually interact with the work “Anima Mundi,” which is already positioned in front of the entrance of the Historic Palace. This sculpture was dedicated in 2021 to the victims of Covid-19 and highlights the commitment of the Creberg Foundation to enhance the legacy of the masters of Bergamasque sculpture.
### La Scala d’Oro: A Three-Dimensional Narrative
“La Scala d’Oro” is not merely a work of art; it represents a complex narrative regarding human suffering, power, and redemption. As Angelo Piazzoli, President of the Creberg Foundation, states: “With this new installation, Ugo Riva continues his research journey on material and visual storytelling.”
The exhibition consists of three main sections:
1. **Central Installation**: In the Main Hall, the imposing installation “La Scala d’Oro” is made of polychrome terracotta, aluminum, and iron. This work integrates painting and sculpture in an ethical journey that challenges traditional artistic conventions.
2. **Lower Section**: Here, enigmatic figures evoke themes of royal maternity and authoritarian power, creating a contrast between the sacred pain represented in the upper part of the work and the spiritual richness suggested in the lower part.
3. **Preparatory Drawings**: In the Loggia, preparatory drawings showcase the artist’s creative process.
4. **Animula: A Photographic Journey**.
The second exhibition presented by Andrea Sbardellati offers an intimate view of the Vittoriale through black-and-white photographs that capture the solitude of the places associated with Gabriele D’Annunzio. As Sbardellati himself explains: “In the Vittoriale, continuous suggestions arise… the act of capturing images requires a suspension of thought.”
This exhibition does not aim to be documentary but instead presents a curated selection of images to convey evocative atmospheres linked to the moments of reflection spent by the Poet in his most private spaces.
### Exhibition Catalog
All visitors will receive a free catalog produced by the Credito Bergamasco Foundation, containing critical texts by renowned experts such as Franco Cardini and Giovanni Gazzaneo, alongside poems by Davide Rondoni and high-quality photographs curated by Andrea Sbardellati.
The exhibitions will remain open, providing all interested parties the opportunity to explore this fascinating dialogue between contemporary art and the local historical-cultural heritage.
Italian Version
