A CONTEMPORARY ART ITINERARY: XXVII BIENNALE DI GUBBIO
The 27th edition of the Biennale of Gubbio challanges the ability of contemporary art to reactivate and reinvent the relationship with the territory and with the iconic places that enclose its genius loci. Therefore, works were proposed to establish a dialogic relationship with ancient monuments and knowledge, also with the intention of giving meaning and significance to contemporary existence by nourishing it with this relationship with the past. The connection with the territory and its social and artistic history, particularly the medieval and Renaissance periods, the choice to give shape to this connection by involving the community and its artisans in a relationship with contemporary artists, demonstrates the transformative and visionary power of art. It also represents the desire to give meaning and role to the artist, who is now predominantly relegated to the margins of a society that in the past contributed to telling and constructing the world’s vision. The XXVII Biennale di Gubbio calls upon the new contemporary narrative of reality by Italian artists of the latest generations, who have the opportunity and responsibility to challenge the masters who have defined the history of Western art.
IMAGINA
The title of this edition, IMAGINA, tells the story of the relationship between the artist’s imagination and its ability to activate the imagination of people. The exhibition is developed in seven sections spread between Palazzo dei Consoli and Palazzo Ducale. The goal of IMAGINA is to present the best emerging Italian art scene, to experiment with new forms of contamination, and challenge artists to engage in a dialogue with the history of the city and its different souls. In the various sections, artists can interact and collaborate with the local community, including master artisans, creating new works or proposing already-existing ones to address specific themes.
Museo Civico Palazzo dei Consoli
The Palazzo dei Consoli, (originally called Palazzo del Popolo), Piazza Grande and the Palazzo del Podestà together form one of the most majestic and audacious building projects carried out in the Middle Ages, bearing witness to the ambitious nature of Gubbio’s political and institutional objectives at the beginning of the 14th century. The construction of the monumental building complex was originally decided upon between 1321 and 1322, work began in 1332 and involved highly skilled professionals like the architect Angelo da Orvieto, whose name appears inscribed above the main entrance to the Palazzo, and Matteo di Giovanello, known as “Gattapone”, a native of Gubbio, who acted as surveyor at a later stage. The new buildings were situated in the centre of the town so that all four civic districts, (San Martino, Sant’Andrea, San Pietro and San Giuliano), should border on them. This required alterations to the natural layout of the site and the construction of the suspended square connecting the Palazzi. Palazzo dei Consoli, built in Gothic style, dominates the town from its height of 60 metres with its bell tower and panoramic loggia. From the outset it was intended to be the seat of government of the Free Commune of Gubbio housing all the official courts and institutions. The General Assembly of the People, the representative body of the citizenry, met in the Sala dell’Arengo or Great Hall. Upstairs were the residences and offices of the Gonfaloniere and the Consuls. The rooms on a level with Piazza Grande were reserved for the use of the Capitano del Popolo, while those level with Via Gattapone housed the troops under his control. The building also had a chapel, several toilets and a plumbing system supplying the water fountains on the upper floors.