April 2012
MANAMA
CAPITAL
OF
ARAB
CULTURE
2012
CAPITAL
OF
ARAB
CULTURE
2012
Join artBahrain.org
Advertisement
Art Escape
April
Copyright © 2010, artBahrain.org. All rights reserved. Use of this site constitutes agreement with our Terms and Conditions.
Selected works from the
38th Annual Fine Arts Exhibition
38th Annual Fine Arts Exhibition
Fondazione Fiumara d'Arte’s project is a 500 meter blue wall along the highway of children’s artworks made of ceramic/clay.
Paolo shows detail of the ceramic/clay artworks by children
Artwork of the Italian Constitution as flag
Children's painting hanging in the theater
Ceramic/clay over in the workshop
Giancarlo in the ceramic/clay workshop
Children's artwork
in the hospital
in the hospital
And then it was time for me to see their operations. Back at the foundation’s administrative office they were busy working on the
Museo Internazionale dell’Immagine (International Museum of Image), the largest photography open-air museum in the world in
Librino. There I met Paolo, Gianfranco’s assistant. The two gave me a tour of all their projects in collaboration with schools in
Catania.
Hoisted along the long highway are artworks made by children, their own interpretation of the Italian constitution which was hanged
as flags. These colorful flags not only add to the aesthetic of the city but also serve as an encouragement for the children of Sicily.
Another Fondazione Fiumara d'Arte’s project is a 500 meter blue wall along the highway of children’s artworks made of ceramic/clay.
This project was conducted by professional Italian artists for the school children. This public art by children is a very impressive way to
welcome visitors.
We headed to the school where the hold their painting and ceramic workshop. The place was alive with children’s paintings hanging
on the corridors, ceilings, paintings on the glass window and theater props too.
Museo Internazionale dell’Immagine - Librino
Librino was our next stop. It is a quiet university town planned by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange during the 70s. It is in Librino that
the International Museum of Image is intended for to liven up the streets at night. Fondazione Fiumara d'Arte has commissioned Reza
Deghati, an Iranian-French photojournalist. Then we went to the hospital where Presti donated over a hundred children artworks to
give the hospital a cheerful feeling.
I left Sicily via Catania the next day enroute to Venice full of awe trying to figure out the noble works of Antonio Presti and his team, his
amazing hotel and his projects. That about sums up my art escape to Sicily - an off the beaten path for artists and art lovers alike.
What I loved about Atelier sul mare:
The art. One can see the freedom of expression of every artist. There were no pretensions, just pure spirit and soul. The rooms were
like the artist’s shrine. Art aficionados must make a pilgrimage to take part of Presti’s passion for the art.
The staff. Every staff I came in contact with was pleasant and some were even outstanding.
The cleanliness. The rooms (I got to visit all the art room) and the entire floor and all the public areas were impeccably clean during
my stay.
The location: The panoramic view of the sea in the curve of the coast the art hotel is only a short walk from the beach.
The restaurant: in the terrace is in front the sea and offers different gastronomic choices from local to international dishes. It’s so nice
to sit in quiet contemplation without the city noises and enjoy the cool evening air and the sight of Castel di Tusa all lit up at night.
The rooms: It’s like magic. Every room sets a different mood and they are all magical.
The international vibe. I heard all sorts of languages being spoken-English, Spanish, French, and some I couldn’t identify.
Obviously, the Art Hotel is a popular option for international visitors to Sicily especially during the summer.
Close encounter with the
Sicilian ‘artfather’
Photo essay by Modhir Ahmed