PESCIA.- Step aside, traditional fairy tales. A vibrant new chapter in the story of Italy's most famous puppet has just begun in Pescia, as the POMA Liberatutti Foundation flung open its doors on Thursday, May 29th, to unveil "Pinocchio. Lagoon Alchemies. Venetian Contemporaneity." This isn't your childhood Pinocchio; this is a dazzling, multi-faceted exploration of Carlo Lorenzini's iconic creation, seen through the eyes of a dynamic collective of Venetian artists.
The air at the POMA Liberatutti Foundation has been buzzing with excitement since the exhibition's grand opening. "Lagoon Alchemies" brings the shimmering colors and unique spirit of Venice to the tranquil banks of the Pescia River, creating a bridge between two regions rich in artisan heritage. The show, which runs until June 29, 2025, is a testament to artistic collaboration and imaginative reinvention.
At the heart of this captivating display is the work of GPS ART FACTORY VENICE, a collective that boasts not one, but multiple intriguing names, including C4ZZOSP4ZIO, TROPICAL MIND, and VIA SELVA. Led by the insightful Gino Blanc, the collective features a dozen talented artists – Alice Andreoli, Ariele Bachetti, Alessandra Craba, Brenno Damian, Asya Dell’Omodarme, Bruno Fantelli, Greta Ferretti, Andrea Rosara, Alice Salvato, Luka Širok, and Andrea Tagliapietra – each bringing their unique artistic language to the table.
"It’s remarkable how they’ve taken a familiar figure like Pinocchio and transformed him into a prism, reflecting so many different facets of contemporary art," remarked a visitor during yesterday’s viewing. Indeed, from painting and sculpture to installations and hybrid media, the artists offer personal, distinctive visions that weave together into a compelling collective narrative.
What makes this exhibition particularly special is the dedication to creating entirely new works for the occasion. Every artist has contributed both a canvas and a piece on historic Magnani paper, a material deeply rooted in Pescia's own papermaking traditions. This thoughtful touch serves as a tangible and symbolic link between the two culturally rich territories.
This exhibition marks a fascinating new chapter for the POMA Liberatutti Foundation, which is quickly establishing itself as a vital cultural hub. Following their intimate and archetypal "Beyond Pinocchio – Canticle to Venturino" exhibition, "Lagoon Alchemies" offers a more visionary, choral, and distinctly contemporary take on the beloved wooden boy. The ground floor exhibition is designed to spark a dialogue with the ongoing Venturino show, creating a rich tapestry of Pinocchio interpretations.
The POMA Liberatutti Foundation, a beautifully renovated former factory nestled by the Pescia River, is more than just a gallery. It's a vibrant "cultural factory," a space designed to ignite free thought and foster connections through diverse artistic expressions. Beyond the stunning exhibitions, it hosts live performances, conferences, workshops ranging from writing to yoga, and even a cooking school – all guided by an inclusive philosophy that champions dialogue and the pursuit of beauty. Their Refectory, serving excellent cuisine, is a social heart where art and community truly blend.
"Pinocchio. Lagoon Alchemies. Venetian Contemporaneity" is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, and from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Best of all, admission is completely free, inviting everyone to experience this fresh and exhilarating artistic journey. Don't miss the chance to see Pinocchio like you've never seen him before.
