EVENTS
Faces of the Ephemeral
"We are all masks, when the lagoon is reflected in the sky" Tiziano Scarpa
In "Volti dell’Effimero," Piovosi captures the ambivalent essence of the Venice Carnival, an ancient celebration born from the victory of the Republic in 1162 and codified as a public holiday in 1296. His works explore that suspended time, originally lasting six weeks, in which sumptuous masks conceal identities, revealing stories of power, seduction, and mystery.
Through a rich palette of gold, crimson, and deep black—alternating with touches of lagoon blue—applied on handmade paper or canvas with oil paints, the artist immortalizes Baroque opulence, a style that in Venice became the scenographic expression of an era when "Carnival occupied much of the year." In his paintings, the dualism between appearance and truth materializes in the enigmatic faces of the Bauta, which guaranteed absolute anonymity, or the sensual Colombina.
The series not only celebrates aesthetics, but also questions the viewer's concept of identity, reflecting on the original purpose of the mask: to make everyone equal, regardless of social class. What lies behind a golden smile? Is the mask liberation or prison? The painting dedicated to the Flight of the Angel, the spectacle that opens today's festivities, suggests a possible answer: it is an act of transfiguration and beauty in free fall.
A tribute to eternal Venice, suspended between a shining past and a fragile present, and to the art of the "mask makers," custodians of a centuries-old tradition that, with the fall of the Serenissima in 1797, gradually declined, only to rediscover its spirit in 1979/1980 as a major event organized with the involvement of the Municipality, cultural associations, and the entertainment world.
Coming Soon
The Municipality of Albinea and the Albinea Twinning, Peace and International Cooperation Committee are promoting, on the occasion of World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR), an exhibition by artist Oscar Piovosi, entitled "Tasmania."
The event represents an important opportunity to reflect, through the language of painting, on the challenges and hopes of millions of people around the world who are forced to leave their homes in search of a better future. Through Oscar Piovosi's images presented in the exhibition, we have the opportunity to recognize the value of diversity, to reflect on the need to promote acceptance, and to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the rights of those living in vulnerable conditions.
In 2025, this day takes on an even stronger meaning, underscoring the urgency of strengthening global solidarity and working together to create a more just and inclusive world. It's a moment to remember that behind every piece of data there are stories of courage, hope, and resilience, and that we can all contribute to building a future of peace and mutual respect.
Integration and acceptance are fundamental values in this journey: acceptance means offering an opportunity for rebirth and hope, while integration allows us to build bridges between different cultures, enriching our communities and fostering a shared sense of belonging. The Municipality of Albinea is moving confidently in this direction, committedly promoting numerous social and cultural projects focused on dialogue and social justice.
TITLE: Tasmania
SUBTITLE: "If I really had to, I would choose Tasmania. It has good freshwater reserves, is in a democratic state, and is free of human predators... a place where, quite simply, it's possible to save oneself." Quote by Paolo Giordano, "Tasmania," Einaudi Editore
Tasmania is the emblem of the ideal landing place, the unlikely happy island. This exhibition stems from the desire to give form, substance, and color to the often invisible stories of those who cross seas, deserts, and borders in search of dignity. "Tasmania" does not celebrate a geographical utopia, but interrogates our present. It asks what it means, today, to build possible havens in a world that raises walls and loses humanity. It invites us to pause in the folds of human experiences, to recognize ourselves in others, to challenge the rhetoric that reduces migrants to "problems."
The exhibition is open during library opening hours: Monday 3:00 PM–7:00 PM, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM and 3:00 PM–7:00 PM, Saturday: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM. For information: T. +39 0522 590262. To learn more about the artist's research: piovosi.oscar@gmail.com, www.oscarpiovosi.it.