Lucca Biennale Cartasia 2024

Bonzo, by Italian artist Libero Maggini, sits on the terrace of the Palazzo Guinigi. He is created out of paper and wax. The artist describes Bonzo as an extraterrestrial who acts as an oracle. He sure has some great views over Lucca’s rooftops.

Small models of some favorite pieces from past LUBICAs help to celebrate 20 years of the event.

Every two years Lucca hosts a unique art show – the Lucca Biennale Cartasia or LUBICA. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the event. In recognition of the anniversary, there is a special display on the history of LUBICA, with photos and models of some of the large scale pieces from previous years. What a joy to revisit some of my favorites from past years.

LUBICA is a celebration of art, architecture, and design using various forms of carta (paper). Artists use plain and colored paper, cardboard, tissue paper, old magazines, torn up boxes – any form of paper will do – to build fabulous and intriguing creations.

Folded paper makes beautiful design in this piece entitled Ophelia by Italian artist Alberto Fusco

Participants from around the world are selected based on samples of work representative of the year’s theme. Those chosen participate in a residency in Lucca where they are provided with laboratory space, materials, and financial support as they build their pieces.

Ignosy by Manuela Granziol of Switzerland sits in the entry to the Palazzo Guinigi. Look closely and see that it is created with magazine pages.

This year’s theme is Qui e Ora, Domani which translates as Here and Now, Tomorrow. The organizers explain that this theme embraces looking forward through an artistic lens while knowing that living in the present “is the only moment we have to fully exist, grow, feel, love, and rejoice”. All the works embrace this theme, each with its own perspective and interpretation.

Below: The workspace of the artist Martina Madrigali who works with painted paper to created collages, many of whom feature her grandfather and his garden.

The indoor setting for this year’s show is the newly restored Palazzo Guinigi. The palazzo provides a perfect backdrop for the small to medium sized art works, the architecture pieces, and the whimsical fashion designs which are positioned over several floors of the historic building.

Above: Gilda Lily (Ramona Sonin, USA), Homeland (papercut, Asya Kozina, Ukraine), Purses (Angelo Lussiana, Italy)

Above: Design Temporariness. ATI Project. One of the architectural pieces on display.

The final pieces are on the floor of the palazzo with a terrace. Step outside to see Bonzo (top photo), catch a bit of a cool breeze, and admire the views over Lucca’s roof tops.

Above: 2 pieces by Ukrainian artist Valentina Danylenko

LUBICA runs through 29 September. Stay tuned next week for photos of the larger outdoor works.