SURPRISES IN ITALY
SARDINIA, ITALY - University Art Museum / Sardinia Tribal Exhibition / Dossier In Training
When Lyle and I disembarked on a small island in Italy…
We went wandering along some of the ancient streets in Sardinia and then saw what appeared to be a fortress at the top of the hill. We decided to climb the hill and go and see the structure. As we were climbing up the plateau and enjoying the bucolic view below, we also came across small quaint homes showered with brilliant pink bougainvilleas along their entranceway. We continued to climb and took note of an elaborately styled church at the top of the pinnacle.
Continuing along this wide pathway, we surveyed the courtyard area of the church taking in more breathtaking views of the city below. The deliciousness of the azure coloured mediterranean sea blended with the striking reds and purples in the fauna gave an almost surreal atmosphere as we continued to slowly explore. Once we had passed the courtyard area, we discovered a modern styled building. Standing right in front of this building, was a young woman holding a pamphlet. She told us this building was the University of Sardinia Gallery. She asked us if we would like a tour. She said she was a student dossier, and would be happy to show us around.
Then Lyle and I poked our heads past the current contemporary exhibit and noticed an exhibit of large photographs on one wall. The young girl commented as we were looking at these rather wild tribal images of locals dressed in traditional pagan clothing. She wasnʼt fond at all of the images. They reminded her of how secluded from the rest of the world she’d felt living on this island. She then confided to us that she had plans to leave as soon as she could. This was not exactly the kind of response you usually hear from a museum curator.
We were mildly amused by it but at the same time, we felt empathetic for her desire to seek more freedom in her life. Her dream was to leave this island and pursue her goal to work as a visual artist. We marvelled at how the creative drive was alive and flourishing thousands of miles from our home. What we found most intriguing about the photographs was how aligned this culture was to nature. The costumes, often head dresses, that appeared to have animal skins draped over them. It was as if this tribe felt so deeply connected to nature. They revered the animal spirit as an integral aspect to being human.
What this young 14 year old girl did not seem to understand was that her ancestors considered nature a living presence that was honoured and celebrated in super natural ways. This was an art display that described this culture of the past and the present. These startling images are a reflection that evokes emotions from this ancient tribal culture. This is what all forms of art can offer: It can leave room to give the viewer emotional context. What we found most impactful about this exhibit was its authenticity, undisturbed and uncut. Not manipulated to look more pleasing or aesthetic to the eye. As far away from modern idealisms of youth as one can imagine.
The day we visited the Vatican, it began raining. We spent numerous hours inside touring the artifacts. When we reached the wing of the Sistine Chapel ceiling, we could hear the rain pounding on the roof. The whole feeling of viewing the magnificence of the art work in the chapel and the sound of the rain on the ancient roof amplified a feeling of serenity and protection. I was most taken by the scale of the Sistine ceiling. When you first walk into the entrance way, you can view what appears to be about a mile ahead of spectacular imagery. The frescos express different stories in a beautiful breathtaking pattern. At one point during our tour we had a a guide who insisted one area of the courtyard held the real Gods. The other locations that held the Greek Gods such as Apollo were fake. Fake or real, those statues were massive in scale. Appearing so alive that you felt they could move and the expressions carved into their faces was almost hypnotizing.
As the weather began to get warmer and the crowds got thicker, Lyle and I flew back home.
Reflecting back on our journey and how invigorating to the soul it feels to visit these cities…
To imagine what it must have been like to live in a time when there were artists and sculptors whose family tradition it was to contribute to their mastery. A legacy that would span over hundreds of years. To have the opportunity to view and stand beside Michelangeloʼs living quarters in the Vatican. To breathe in the same ambience that the great masters had once lived is for a sculptor like Lyle, a life changing experience.
“Just to know such raw and refined beauty, sumptuous elegance and dedication for art exists in the world is an understanding about passion that is beyond reassuring. To recognize the same creative spark exists thousands of miles from my home. Makes the distinction between myself and the masters feel only a breath away.” - Lyle Sopel
All My Best,
Colette
Creative Director