Embark on an enriching study trip to Naples with our dedicated Bachelors in Arts Management students, meticulously organized by esteemed professors Carolina Ariza and David Mandrella.
On the trip program was an insightful visit to the Madre Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Donnaregina, housed within the captivating 19th-century Palazzo Donnaregina. Renowned Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza Veira has elegantly reimagined the space, providing a unique backdrop for contemporary art exploration.
The museum unfolds over four floors, featuring awe-inspiring site-specific installations, including Daniel Buren's captivating work at the entrance. The permanent collection showcases masterpieces by acclaimed artists such as Francesco Clemente, Sol LeWitt, Anish Kapoor, Jeff Koons, Michelangelo Pistoletto, and Richard Serra. Nestled in the historical heart of Naples, this museum serves as a haven for contemporary art enthusiasts.
The visit extended to the intriguing temporary exhibition by Japanese artist Kazuko Miyamoto, titled "Ample space is reserved for String Constructions." This exhibition masterfully displays Miyamoto's renowned series of string sculptures, offering a unique blend of minimalism and tactile irregularity. The works, initiated in the early 1970s, create a compelling interplay between architecture and the body, inviting perception to engage with vibrations and nuances.
Francesco Clemente, a luminary in the transavanguardia movement, contributes to the collection with a site-specific installation titled "Ave Ovo." This work, crafted in 2005, intricately weaves Neapolitan historical symbols into its fabric. The fresco on the museum walls and the ceramic floor, resembling a soccer field, exude a vibrant tapestry featuring symbols like the cabala, the basket, and the mask of Pulcinella.
The Palazzo Donnaregina, a building of historical significance deriving its name from the Swabian Monastery of Santa Maria Donnaregina, underwent a meticulous restoration and transformation into a museum by Alvaro Siza Veira in 2005. Beyond its exhibition spaces, the museum now offers a library, a mediatheque, and a bookshop/cafeteria, creating a holistic cultural experience for its visitors.
Immersed in the rich tapestry of contemporary art, our afternoon in Naples was not only educational but also a source of inspiration for all involved.