For the first time, Verano is participating in Rome Art Week (16th edition) by hosting several projects created by contemporary artists. The Monumental Cemetery of Rome, with its numerous and remarkable examples of art from the past, is experimenting with and opening itself up to new artistic interventions that explore themes in line with the site’s unique characteristics.
Works and Artists:
Pesi Leggeri by Alberto Timossi (Naples, 1965. Sculptor; teaches at the G. C. Argan Art High School. Lives and works in Rome) - Pincetto, Piazzale Circolare
Four sculptures from the artist’s series of the same name (2022–ongoing), placed near the grave of artist Fabio Mauri (Rome, 1926–2009), as a gesture of tribute and continuity. Hot-formed Forex panels glazed in red, upon which rest various materials (earth, stones, terracotta, concrete) that evoke the human presence over time and humanity’s creative ingenuity throughout the course of history.
Mutter–Tod / Metamorphosen and Ciclo eterno by Susanne Kessler (Wuppertal, 1955; a multidisciplinary artist who lives and works between Berlin, London, and Rome) – Mater Admirabilis Hall and Section 5 of the Old Wing
Seven drawings, exhibited here for the first time, from two series inspired by the artist’s mother’s passing. The human forms in the first series become distorted, taking on an almost abstract quality: resembling natural, ancestral silhouettes. Transforming in the afterlife, the mother’s features are symbolically linked to the bronze installation located on the lawn in front: a riverine line, a symbol of the eternal flow of life.
Mortis Humana Via by Enrico Pulsoni (Avezzano, 1956. Architect and set designer. Lives and works in Rome) Quadriportico, Chapel of Santa Maria della Misericordia
A PVC reproduction of the installation of the same name conceived by the artist in 2023, on a larger scale and using different materials, such as wood and terracotta. Anchored to the ground at the entrance to the still-active Christian place of worship in the center of the cemetery, the work invites the public to see themselves reflected in the “overwhelmed faces” of the drama of the Passion, uniting the lives of the individual with those of all humanity.
When to visit:
During the guided tours on “Architects and Urban Planners” on October 17 (10:30 a.m.), “Mosaics, Stained Glass, and Decorative Arts” on October 18 (12:00 p.m.), and “Painting and Sculpture” on October 24 (12:00 p.m.), one of the artists will be present to provide a “live” explanation of their work located along the tour route.
On Saturday, October 17, at 12:30 p.m., all three artists will participate in the presentation of the initiative at the Sala Mater Admirabilis.
The works will remain at Verano until Sunday, October 25.
During Rome Art Week (October 19–25), the works will also be viewable on weekdays by appointment; please email well in advance to arrange a guided tour.
Info and Reservations:
Participation is free, but reservations are required and subject to availability.
The meeting point is at the Monumental Entrance to Verano, at Piazzale del Verano, 1.
Organizing Office:
Contact: email cultura.cimitericapitolini@amaroma.it
Phone: 328 7561996, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.; Saturdays and holidays, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Full program and participation details are available at https://www.cimitericapitolini.it/eventi-e-cultura/
Reservations for the event can be made starting the Monday before the event.