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Many know picturesque Taormina as a spot famed for its ancient Greco-Roman history. Few know that it is also home to several contemporary artists, who use natural and artificial light to create awe-inspiring sculptures. This summer, an exhibition named Giardini di Luce, curated by Vittorio Erlindo, known for his work at the Biennale Light Art of Mantua, is heading to the grounds of Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina. Marvel at the contemporary art dotting these enchanted gardens, which combine the modern and the timeless to dazzling effect.
NICOLA EVANGELISTI Nicola Evangelisti is a sculptor who graduated top of his class from the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna. He uses artificial light to create art with scientific and cosmological themes. ‘Il Tempio della Luce’ uses galvanized iron with phosphor paints, in a tribute to the famous Cathedral of San Giuseppe in Taormina.
NINO ALFIERI Nino Alfieri is an artist who likes to experiment with form. Often, his work combines a variety of materials with electronics. He attempts to channel both the energy of the authentic forces that govern our world and contemporary technology. With ‘Archeo Sky’, he has hand-painted two terracotta jars that light up in a majestic, celestial display.
GIULIO DE MITRI With more than 40 years of experience in the visual arts, De Mitri is dedicated to creating artwork that stirs a profound emotional response. With ‘Farfalle’, an artwork depicting fifteen butterflies in mirrored steel, he pays homage to the power of natural light. The sun will shift the appearance of the butterflies throughout the day, until they are almost imperceptible at night. You’ll find several pieces of ancient art in our grounds. In contrast, these butterflies invite us to reflect on the fragility of living beings.
FARDY MAES Fardy Maes began to work with light art in the 1980s, favouring a minimalist, site-specific approach. With ‘Il terrazzo dei cieli sfuggenti’, a mirror on a marine plywood panel, he uses the reflected sun and stars as part of his artistic design. Using no artificial lighting, the piece highlights the importance of saving energy without sacrificing beauty. The mirror extends horizontally reflecting the sky, which can be admired looking downwards. A series of luminescent geometries enrich the work vertically.
DAVIDE DALL’OSSO After a career as an actor, Davide Dall’Osso decided to follow his dreams of becoming a sculptor. His first carving, ‘Teste’, is made from iron, polycarbonate fusion, glass and LED lights. A large-scale head, it draws upon the ancient, imposing sculptures from great civilizations of the past. ‘Cavalli’ depicts a horse, designed to reflect the animal’s natural elegance, beauty and strength. Finally, ‘Ballerine’ depicts the figure of a dancing woman, floating in the air, to reflect the essence of dance as a moment of pure harmony.
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