TODI OPEN DOORS: open doors to Fiber Art

Translation by Marina Dlacic 

Inaugurated last August 29, the TODI OPEN DOORS has reached its third edition. An appointment with contemporary art in the hallways of historic buildings in which four artists participate this year with installations of Fiber Art. An articulated project that, since its debut, has intended to bring to Todi artists and curators of different backgrounds and geographical origins: not only a widespread exhibition, therefore, but also an artist’s residence and, above all, an opportunity for meeting and comparison between artists and with the most “private” and least known spaces of the Umbrian town which for several years has boasted a cultural offer of great quality and prestige. The proposals also include the TODI OPEN DOORS which – as confirmed by Silvia Ranchicchio, with Michele Ciribifera promoters and creators of the event- “is part of the program of the Todi Festival, now in its 35th edition; an event of international importance with a full program of shows, exhibitions, book presentations and concerts that immerses the city in an atmosphere of great cultural liveliness. For our part, we wanted to create an event that fits into this context and, as artists, we would like it to develop year by year a network of contacts and exchanges between the public, curators, artists and the city with a view to growth and of mutual enrichment.”

MONICA PENNAZZI, Palazzo del Vignola, work in progress, ph.credit@ZouhairBellahmar

“The idea of ​​the TODI OPEN DOORS – continues Silvia Ranchicchio – was born in 2019. I have an art studio near the Duomo right in front of the beautiful entrance hall of a historic building and when I proposed to the owners to organize an event there they joined with enthusiasm.With Michele Ciribifera, artist and friend, we both felt that instead of a single intervention it would have been more interesting to create a real itinerary involving also other artists and owners of historic buildings. The first edition included nine artists and three curators. We managed to maintain continuity last year too despite the many difficulties caused by the restrictions resulting from the pandemic, inviting six artists and two curators from the territories closest to us. This third edition allowed us to broaden the horizon with the participation of two curators and eight artists from different geographical areas and research fields”

GIULIA SPERNAZZA, Soft floor, Palazzo Vecchi Ercolani, TODI OPEN DOORS, ph.credit Chiara Marci

Fiber Art has been present since the first edition with the installation by Laura Patacchia and subsequently with the interventions of Lea Contestabile and Virginia Ryan, and this year we find it in half of the eight hallways, those entrusted to the curatorship of Barbara Pavan, set up by Elham M.Aghili, Mariantonietta Bagliato, Monica Pennazzi and Giulia Spernazza.

GIULIA SPERNAZZA, Palazzo Vecchi Ercolani, work in progress, ph.credit @ZouhairBellahmar

“I find – continues Ranchicchio – the language of Fiber Art extremely suitable for this type of exhibition itinerary that alternates high-height spaces that allow aerial installations and more intimate, silent and dimly-lit places that facilitate the preparation of delicate and ethereal works. During the three editions I have always found the research proposed by the artists who work through the textile medium interesting and stimulating”

 ELHAM M AGHILI, To sea or not to sea, Palazzo Friggi Spazzoni, ph.credit E.M.Aghili III

Year after year, this event has grown and consolidated, opening up to new collaborations and participations. “This year we have created a synergy with the Artex Association committed to promoting Australian art in Italy and around the world through cultural exchanges. And finally, thanks to the support and contribution of the Municipality of Todi and Etab, the catalog of these first three editions will be published. The hope is to be able to include other entrance halls in the future, making this architectural heritage, unknown to the public and worthy of being enhanced, accessible and open to visitors through art. ” Silvia Ranchicchio concludes with the hope that a project for next year is already in the pipeline.

MARIANTONIETTA BAGLIATO, E la volpe, Palazzo Cesi, ph credit  Sergio Vasselli

The four Fiber Art installations respectively at Palazzo del Vignola, Palazzo Vecchi Ercolani, Palazzo Friggi Brushoni and Palazzo Cesi, are open to the public (together with the entire exhibition itinerary), until September 5th, every day, with free access from 10am to 7:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday from September 6 to 19.

Info silviaranch@live.it  cell 340 2218913

MONICA PENNAZZI, Palazzo del Vignola, TODI OPEN DOORS, ph. credit Monica Pennazzi