Explore Bologna’s rich cultural tapestry with free exhibitions, live music, and captivating art events. Dive into the details of January’s must-see exhibitions, including Patrick Tuttofuoco’s transformative “Abandon Your Eyes.” Discover Francesco Arcangeli’s legacy at “The Provinces of Art” exhibition, and journey through science and art at the Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute’s “Medici Botanici Alchemisti.” Immerse yourself in the thought-provoking NO CRASH museum, and join the literary extravaganza curated by Coop Alleanza 3.0 in “The Voices of Books.”

Unveiling Bologna’s Cultural Extravaganza

Bologna, a city renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage, opens its doors to a January filled with free exhibitions, live music, and engaging events. The vibrant tapestry of Bologna’s cultural scene is woven with events catering to diverse tastes, making it an exciting destination for art enthusiasts and music lovers alike.

A Glimpse into the World of Visual Arts

January in Bologna marks a celebration of art, with exhibitions that promise to captivate and inspire. From contemporary installations to timeless classics, the city’s galleries and cultural spaces offer a diverse array of visual feasts. Let’s delve into the must-see art exhibitions that grace Bologna’s cultural landscape this month.

Must-See Art Exhibitions in January

January in Bologna marks a celebration of art, with exhibitions that promise to captivate and inspire. From contemporary installations to timeless classics, the city’s galleries and cultural spaces offer a diverse array of visual feasts. Let’s delve into the must-see art exhibitions that grace Bologna’s cultural landscape this month.

Patrick Tuttofuoco’s “Abandon Your Eyes”: A Captivating Journey into Transcendence

Delve into the captivating world of Patrick Tuttofuoco’s “Abandon Your Eyes.” A special project for ART CITY Bologna 2024, this exhibition unveils the artist’s profound exploration of transcendence and semi-consciousness. Discover the thematic elements, materials, and the artist’s unique perspective.

Patrick Tuttofuoco, a Milanese artist born in 1974, presents “Abandon Your Eyes” at the Banca di Bologna Conference Room in Palazzo De’ Toschi. Curated by Davide Ferri, the exhibition is part of the institutional program of ART CITY Bologna. Open to the public from January 30 to February 18, Tuttofuoco’s showcase features new productions and two recent works.

Artistic Elements

“Abandon Your Eyes” showcases emblematic forms and methods characteristic of Tuttofuoco’s practice. The use of industrial and synthetic materials like neon, iron, and plastic takes center stage. The artist invites viewers to inhabit the exhibition, fostering an immersive experience rather than detached observation.

Thematic Focus: Transcendence

Tuttofuoco’s works consistently explore the theme of transcendence, a state of semi-consciousness and abandonment. The exhibition repeats the figure of a soft body, akin to a “body without organs,” inviting viewers to consider new perspectives on everyday life and the present.

Exhibition Layout

The exhibition’s spatial layout features a series of sculptures that encapsulate Tuttofuoco’s thematic exploration. A marble sculpture becomes the energetic center, while a large neon work titled “Drop the body” acts as a backdrop. The title, “Abandon Your Eyes,” serves as an invitation for viewers to inhabit the energy field traced by the works, emphasizing experience over mere observation.

Tuttofuoco’s influence extends beyond the exhibition, as he is also a lecturer at the Faculty of Visual Arts and Curatorial Studies at NABA in Milan. His practice, blending Modernism and Pop, creates a dialogue between individuals and their ability to transform their environment. Tuttofuoco explores notions of community and social integration, pushing figuration towards abstraction.

Francesco Arcangeli’s Legacy: “The Provinces of Art” Exhibition

Explore the profound impact of Francesco Arcangeli, a Bolognese critic and art historian, in the exhibition “The Provinces of Art.” Curated by Marco Antonio Bazzocchi and Filippo Milani at the Archiginnasio Library, the showcase delves into Arcangeli’s interests, relationships, and his significant role in the art and literary realms.

Exhibition Details

On the fiftieth anniversary of Arcangeli’s death, the exhibition displays documents from the archival and book collections of the Arcangeli brothers. Preserved at the Archiginnasio Library, these documents reveal Arcangeli’s vast interests, spanning historical-artistic and literary fields. The exhibition emphasizes his connection with the “province,” particularly Emilia.

Common Thread: “Tramando”

The exhibition’s common thread is the concept of “tramadol,” characterizing Arcangeli’s art-historical research. From poetry and Impressionism to informal art and romantic aesthetics, the showcases highlight Arcangeli’s diverse interests. The exhibition features showcases focusing on artists such as Wiligelmo, Morandi, Bastianino, Tasso, Carracci, Aspertini, Crespi, Fontanesi, and Pascoli.

Opening Hours

The exhibition at the Archiginnasio Library (Piazza Galvani) is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 7 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm, and closed on Sundays.

Botanical Alchemists: Bridging Science and Art

A Fusion of Science and Art in the Rizzoli Collections

Journey through the captivating exhibition “Medici Botanici Alchemisti” at the Library of the Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute. Curated by Patrizia Tomba and sculptor Mirta Carroli, the showcase intertwines science and art, presenting a unique perspective on botany’s intersection with artistic expression.

Exhibition Details

The exhibition, “Medici Botanici Alchemisti,” remains open until March 31, 2024, at the Library of the Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute. Operating hours are Monday from 10 am to 4 pm, Tuesday to Thursday from 10 am to 2:30 pm, and Friday from 10 am to 1:30 pm. For additional information, contact [email protected].

Unique Perspective

Curated by the head of the Institute’s scientific libraries, Patrizia Tomba, and sculptor Mirta Carroli, the exhibition explores the botanical realm from a fresh angle. Bridging the gap between science and art, it provides visitors with an enriching experience.

NO CRASH Museum: A Powerful Artistic Campaign

Dive into the thought-provoking “NO CRASH” museum, an installation curated by Imagem Multimedia & Design. This international project uses art to raise awareness about dignity and safety at work. Explore the impactful installations born from video-dance projects, conveying powerful messages through artistic expression.

Exhibition Details

The NO CRASH museum, an installation curated by Imagem Multimedia & Design, proposes a new format for an awareness campaign on dignity and safety at work through art. Born in 2020, the international video-dance project led to the creation of three short films: “NO CRASH, spaziorisonante” (2020), “HOPE, openly” (2021), and “$27, daydream” (2022).

Themes Explored

Each short film explores different aspects of dignity and safety at work. “NO CRASH, spaziorisonante” depicts a degraded and unsafe periphery of the world, symbolizing the desire to break free from the slavery of a job without rights. “HOPE, openly” delves into the mind oppressed by an insecure job, clinging to hope as a means of freedom.

Artistic Collaboration

The project involves a collaboration of talented individuals. Music and artistic direction by Paola Samoggia, director, photography, and video editing by Carlo Magrì, choreography and dance by Giuseppe Devito Spinelli, and video shooting and drones by Master & Co., Stefano Gilioli, and Maurizio Lelli.

Impactful Narratives

The short films convey powerful narratives, addressing issues of dignity and safety at work through artistic expression. They serve as a reminder of the importance of these issues and the need for societal awareness.

“The Voices of Books”: Literary Delights in January

Coop Alleanza 3.0 presents “The Voices of Books,” a literary review in collaboration with the Libraries and Cultural Welfare Sector of the Municipality of Bologna and Librerie. coop. The January program features a lineup of esteemed authors, providing an opportunity to delve into the inexhaustible emotion that books offer.

January Program

The literary journey kicks off on January 10 at 6 pm in the covered square of the Salaborsa Library, where Piero Mioli presents “Lyra E Musa. How opera music tells the story of the world.” The events continue throughout the month, featuring authors like Nicola Gratteri, Benedetta Tobagi, Stefano Mancuso, Francesco Guccini, and more.

Varied Topics and Authors

The January program covers a diverse range of topics, from opera music to technology’s impact on the ‘Ndrangheta. Authors like Benedetta Tobagi, Stefano Mancuso, and Francesco Guccini bring their unique perspectives to the literary stage.

Closing Events

The January events conclude on January 29 at 5:30 pm in the covered square of Salaborsa with the presentation of Ignazio Ingrao’s book, “Five questions that agitate the Church.” The author will be joined by Pier Ferdinando Casini, Alberto Melloni, and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna.

Event Logistics

Access to the events is possible 45 minutes before the start. Once the maximum capacity is reached, entry will not be possible.

Conclusion: Bologna’s Cultural Odyssey

As we conclude this exploration of Bologna’s January cultural extravaganza, it’s evident that the city’s identity is intricately woven into its rich artistic and literary tapestry. From Patrick Tuttofuoco’s transcendental exploration to Francesco Arcangeli’s lasting legacy and the thought-provoking installations at the NO CRASH museum, each facet contributes to the city’s vibrant cultural landscape.

Embracing Diversity

Bologna’s commitment to diversity is showcased through exhibitions spanning art, history, science, and literature. The “Medici Botanici Alchemisti” exhibition at the Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute exemplifies this fusion of science and art, offering a unique perspective on botany. Similarly, “The Voices of Books” literary review brings together authors from various backgrounds, reflecting the city’s embrace of diverse voices.

Inspiring Conversations

These cultural events not only offer visual and intellectual stimulation but also serve as catalysts for conversations. Whether discussing the legacy of Francesco Arcangeli, contemplating the themes presented by Patrick Tuttofuoco, or engaging with the societal narratives conveyed by the NO CRASH museum, Bologna’s cultural offerings inspire meaningful dialogue.

Looking Forward

As Bologna’s cultural odyssey continues, we anticipate a continuous flow of artistic expression, thought-provoking exhibitions, and literary delights. The city’s commitment to nurturing creativity and fostering dialogue ensures that each cultural event becomes a stepping stone for a deeper understanding of art, history, and societal dynamics.

In essence, Bologna’s January cultural extravaganza invites us to not merely observe but actively participate in the ongoing narrative of a city deeply connected to its past, present, and the ever-evolving landscape of human expression.