Castello Aragonese d'Ischia

The Association "Amici di Gabriele Mattera" (Friends of Gabriele Mattera) is pleased to present again for the year 2023 Ri-Tratti (Por-Traits) by Giuseppe Maraniello, curated by Giorgio Brandi, with the patronage of the Circolo G. Sadoul, at the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Aragonese Castle of Ischia.

The Ri-Tratti (Por-Traits) are huge heads that seem to have been moulded by nature, in which seemingly slender bronze forges frame wide gaps, suggesting features only hinted at by thin, gnarled branches, unexpectedly fragile and resistant at the same time. The artwork is simultaneously pictorial and statuesque. Drawings, like fantastic scribbles, that magically become solid forms. The exhibition is an artist's gift to a place that is deeply loved: the adopted and favourite son of this part of the land that has emerged intends to reciprocate the trust and affection received from the island of Ischia - symbolically represented by the Aragonese Castle and by the Association "Amici di Gabriele Mattera" (Friends of Gabriele Mattera) specifically, in a not at all obvious synecdoche that recognises the work stubbornly carried out over the decades to defend, disseminate and promote culture first by Gabriele Mattera himself and then by his heirs - with an original, indelible and lasting presence that will become part of our permanent collection, which is always visible to the public when visiting the Aragonese Castle.

More info at www.amicidigabrielemattera.com.

(Photos: © Marco Albanelli - Amici di Gabriele Mattera)