Polpenazze Art Exhibit Highlights Mauthausen Horror and Nature Themes
In Piazza Biolchi, an art exhibition titled «Dal lager alla vita» (From the Lager to Life) was inaugurated, and simultaneously the volume «L’urlo di Munch» (The Scream by Munch), published by Vannini di Gussago, was presented. Two sectors, one character: Agostino Barbieri. A Gardesano artist who, during his life, was forced to suspend his artistic activity due to wartime reasons and a tragic deportation to Mauthausen.
Description of the exhibition and themes addressed
In Polpenazze, the exhibition is divided into two distinct and separate sectors: one dedicated to the lager, featuring 8 paintings displayed in the small room in front of the library; the other, with 16 paintings, concerns nature and the Gardesano landscape (second floor, council chamber).
«The horror and shock conveyed by the skeletal images of Mauthausen are contrasted,» states Arsenio Palamone, president of the Polpenazze Municipal Library, «by the colors and feelings of joy, serenity, and love for life that are experienced when admiring the sixteen paintings exhibited in the council chamber.»
Comment from the mayor and purpose of the exhibition
Giancarlo Ribelli, mayor of Polpenazze, emphasizes that the exhibition «set up in the middle of August (it will run until the 15th) does not celebrate anniversaries or commemorations, but rather celebrates the triumph of beauty and freedom over barbarism and violence.»
In his book, Barbieri recounts parts of his history, with unforgettable memories such as the visual encounter with the painting «L’urlo di Munch» (The Scream by Munch) that took place at the Gruber house in Biarritz.
«I stop without words, enchanted and surprised… I keep looking at that painting, I am nailed in front of that figure with an open mouth, holding her hands to her ears to block out the scream of pain and despair—an scream that is the painterly version of what Munch had predicted: “Hard times are coming.”»
Hours and entrance
The exhibition is open from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on holidays, and from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekdays. Free admission.