Hell According to Giotto

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Hell, According to Giotto

 Hell.  The Merriam-Webster dictionary describes it as “a place or state of misery, torment, or wickedness’.    

Many religions have the concept of judgement after death and a banishment (either permanent or temporary) to a horrible place of punishments for one’s sins and misdeeds.   For the most part hell is seen as a place not of this earth, and most definitely not a pleasant destination. Just as medieval churches told uplifting bible stories in fresco form, so too did they put the fear of hell into vivid paintings.  

 There is nothing like horned demons and gruesome animals nibbling on flesh to make one fear the eternal damnation that awaits the sinful, greedy, or otherwise misbehaving person.  These depictions of hell in medieval Italian art can be particularly terrifying, which is exactly what the artist intended.   As an adult I appreciate their artistic value and find them to be a fascinating glimpse into medieval culture; as a child they would have given me nightmares. 

Heaven to the left, Hell to the right.

These scenes of hell can be found in many churches.  Some of the most intense ones were painted by the artist Giotto for the Scrovegni Chapel in Padova (Padua).   

On previous visits to the chapel, I focused on the familiar stories of my Catholic youth.  They are gloriously painted by Giotto. 

 But, on a recent visit I was instead captivated by the large panel at the far end of the chapel that depicts heavenly reward to the left and the horrors of hell to the right. 

 In hell, there is a horned Satan at the center (top photo) surrounded a multitude of smaller agents of torture  - winged devils, serpents, hairy beasts. 

Hell has rivers of fire, darkness, and innumerable means of torture. 

No wonder so many felt the need to repent and atone for their sins before facing judgment!

 

The Scrovegni Chapel is a must see when visiting Padova (reservations required).   Giotto’s work is a masterpiece, even if it does include some of the scariest depictions of hell that I’ve ever seen!

 

 

Lucca Biennale Cartasia 2024 The Outdoor Exhibits

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Lucca Biennale Cartasia 2024: The Outdoor Exhibits

The Leap of Desire: The Quest of the Squirrel by Joanathan Bessaci of France.  

Last week’s blog showcased the indoor pieces from the paper art exhibit known as Lubica – the LUcca BIennale CArtasia.  Every other year, Lucca welcomes artists from around the world as they design, build, and display enchanting works of art crafted out of paper.   It is one art exhibit I never skip!

This large sculpture, titled Inverted World, is located iin Piazza San Michele, Lucca. It is by the American artist Michael Stutz.

 The indoor works are generally smaller and often quite delicate with intricate cutwork, weavings, and collages.  The larger pieces designed for outdoor display are more sturdy, made from cardboard as opposed to more fragile types of paper.  They are still vulnerable to rain, wind, and human hands, especially the pieces that are completely out in the open in a piazza.  This is one time when outdoor art pieces are “hands off”.   At the conclusion of the exhibit many of these works will find long-term homes in protected places – underneath Lucca’s walls or in indoor spaces.

This large sculpture, The Revolt of the Wild World, by XL do Studio Neps (Brazil), represents a plea for the protection of endangered wildlife.  

The bigger, sometimes massive, pieces adorn courtyards, piazzas, and archways throughout Lucca’s historic center.  This year one of the largest pieces, constructed in the workshop/laboratory, proved to be too big to fit through the doors and so could not be moved into an outdoor spot.   The sculpture, named Swallow’s Flight, remains inside the Mercato del Carmine building where it can be viewed as a special exhibit (ticket required).  If you are in Lucca this month don’t miss it – it soars to the roof of the building and is a wonderful, graceful work of art.  A guide explains (in Italian) the construction of the sculpture as well as interesting information about the history of Lubica (celebrating 20 years in 2024), past exhibits, and the Old Mercato building itself.

Swallow's Flight by Alex Lidagovsky con Dasha, Ukraine

All of the outdoor pieces are wonderful, but my favorite is Leap of Desire. This large, colorful squirrel (top photo) reaching out for an acorn, sits in the courtyard of the Palazzo Guinigi.  He just makes me smile.

 Also found in the courtyard of the Palazzo Guinigi is this intriguing piece entitled Giano (Janus). A sort of time machine, the artist intends for it to explore human identity and encourage self-reflection. The artist is Chantal Maiorano of Italy.

The schedule for exhibits and workshops, as well as for tickets, is on the Lubica website: https://www.luccabiennalecartasia.com. If you’ve missed this years exhibit, Lubica will return in 2026.

Datamorphosis by Katarzyna Lyszkowska, Poland.  

Lucca Biennale Cartasia 2024

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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.

The roof tops of Lucca as seen from a window in the Palazzo Guinigi.  The building was recently restored and provides a perfect setting for LUBICA.  The views are part of the show!