NOLA.- In the heart of Italy, where the shadows of history and the tremors of the earth intertwine,
Giovanni Ambrosio invites us to a profound exploration through his exhibitions and performative installations. Curated by Christian Taranto, this body of work delves into the essence of materials, their transformations, and the stories they carry. As Ambrosio presents "Eject-a. Migration of forms," he challenges us to consider the life within materials and their evolution across different forms.
Thoughts on Material Vibrations and Form Transformation
Giovanni Ambrosio's work is rooted in the contemplation of materials and their inherent vibrancy. He poses questions that invite us to ponder the life force within materials: Do they vibrate with their own life? What happens when they transition from one form to another? Can we consider photography as a visual field recording? These questions are the foundation of the works presented in this program, curated by Christian Taranto. In Ambrosio's fragments, stories emerge, compelling us to engage with them. This is particularly poignant in the context of life under Vesuvius, the largest active volcano in continental Europe.
Eject-a. Migration of Forms
The exhibition "Eject-a" is split into two parts, each offering a unique perspective on form and sound.
Eject-a/1
Location: Casa e Pu-téca Tramandars, Borgo Casamale, Somma Vesuviana (Na)
Dates: From July 9 at 20:00 to August 31, 2024
Mediums: Screenprints, etchings, papers, stones, objects, artefacts
Opening: Signal from Noise, live sound installation by Giovanni Ambrosio and Antonio Marano, based on the sound piece "Wash me with fire" by rumoremuto
Eject-a/2
Location: Spazio Amira, Via S. Felice, 16, Nola (Na)
Dates: From July 17 at 20:00 to July 31, 2024
Mediums: Etchings, stones, fragments
Sound Installation: Signal from noise/eject-a, based on the sound piece by Phil St. George
Invitation by: Stefania Trotta
These exhibitions are part of the Liminaria MMXXIV microfestival Substantiae Motus II - Cultural Geologies, a festival dedicated to exploring the intersection of art, culture, and geology.
Liminaria MMXXIV Microfestival: Substantiae Motus II - Cultural Geologies
In an era where geology is pivotal for understanding environmental crises, the Liminaria MMXXIV microfestival aims to reinterpret the connection between ecosystems and living species. The festival investigates cultural practices through art, listening processes, and technocultures, particularly in rural areas. This interdisciplinary event spans the mountainous regions of the Partenio and Taburno regional parks and the volcanic territories of Vesuvius and the Phlegraean Fields. It includes artistic residencies, performances, installations, workshops, and the Metarurale Summer school, organized with the Master in Environmental Humanities of the University Roma Tre.
The Exhibitions
Eject-a. Migration of Forms focuses on the lapillus, small lava stones expelled by volcanoes. These stones, varying in size, are essential to the Vesuvian geological landscape and are used decoratively in gardens and interiors. The exhibition explores the transformation of these materials and their cultural significance.
Ius Soli. Campania Felix Delenda est examines Vesuvius, the largest active volcano in continental Europe, and its impact on the region. The exhibition documents the Red Zone of Vesuvius, an area with specific evacuation plans due to its high risk of eruption. This zone's transformation into an archaeological site reflects the dynamic interplay between human habitation and natural forces.
The Performative Installations
Signal from Noise/Lavami col fuoco/Eject-a is a performative installation that explores the soundscapes of geological and cultural artifacts. The installation combines sound pieces by Phil St. George and rumoremuto with live sound performances by Giovanni Ambrosio and Antonio Marano. The performance amplifies the sounds of artifacts and fragments, transforming them into an act of instant sound rewriting.
Giovanni Ambrosio
Born in 1978, Giovanni Ambrosio is an Italian artist based in Paris and the Vesuvian area. His work encompasses photography, minimalist painting, writing, sounds, and various materials. Ambrosio views his work as an evolving score, collecting and transforming materials. His themes include erasure, archiving, archaeology, the power of images, and the intersection of art and society. Photography often serves as his tool for investigating social phenomena and documenting performative and theatrical artworks.
Pu-téca and Casa Tramandars
Pu-téca is a former "vascio" in Naples, converted into an exhibition space for contemporary art projects. Casa Tramandars is a renovated building in the medieval village of Casamale, Somma Vesuviana, serving as a home-studio for artist residencies. These spaces support emerging artists, allowing them to create site-specific projects that enrich the local community.
Tramandars
Founded in 2017 in Somma Vesuviana, Tramandars aims to enhance the artistic and cultural heritage of the city and its medieval village. The association organizes contemporary art exhibitions and collaborates with various cultural institutions. It is part of the Italian Artistic Residences Association and the Lo Stato dei Luoghi network.