Art is the lighthouse around which the deepest essence of the human being is built. It is through art that we come closer to understanding ourselves and the world around us, exploring the infinite facets of knowledge.
In the fourteenth episode of “Lo Specchio di Piacenza”, the Telelibertà format, conceived and hosted by director Nicoletta Bracchi, an expert spoke about it Alessandro Malinverni, professor of History of art and fashion e director of the Gazzola Museum in Piacenza which is located in the Institute of the same name.
THE GAZZOLA MUSEUM
“Few people know that – specifies Malinverni – it is the oldest in the city. The prestigious headquarters is housed in a late fifteenth century palace, which belonged to the Fontana family, the monastery of San Sisto and, from the end of the seventeenth century, to the Gazzola family. As an art historian, I have learned to immerse myself in the world of beauty, to probe the past through works of art and artefacts that tell their stories. Dealing with beauty is a fascinating journey, a continuous dialogue with the ages. Art is an extraordinary tool for rediscovering civilizations, for immersing oneself in lives, hopes and dreams.”
FASHION
In his busy career as a scholar he was particularly interested in the history of customs and fashion: “Knowing about fashion is like reading an open book on the history and soul of a people in a given historical moment. Through fabrics, shapes and colors, we can grasp profound nuances of the culture, aspirations and even tensions of a society. The fashion of the past has a unique and unrepeatable charm. In a time when production was less standardized and cultural influences were more markedly distinctive, each item of clothing told a profile, carried with it a piece of identity and collective memory. The fashion of the past was a living expression of creativity, the desire for beauty and individuality. Contemporary fashion can sometimes seem more homogeneous and standardized. However, even in this context, we can find interesting and significant ideas. Contemporary fashion reflects the challenges and dynamics of our era, from globalization to environmental sustainability, offering new perspectives and questions about our way of living and being.”
THE PUTTURE
Reviewing the figurative arts, Malinverni confesses a propensity for painting: “With a particular interest in collecting. I am fascinated by why in the past men and women chose to purchase and surround themselves with paintings, a gesture that goes beyond the simple act of possession, but reflects a profound connection with the aesthetics and culture of the time. I try to understand the taste of those who preceded us. This passion for history and art was passed on to me since I was a child by my grandfather. The churches of Piacenza? One of the treasures that I love to explore, and among these my favorite is Santa Maria di Campagna, a place that preserves a unique atmosphere and a wealth of decorations that inspires and excites me every time I cross the threshold”.
MESSAGE TO YOUNG PEOPLE
The affection for his dogs, Trilli and Luce, the projects in Paris and Stockholm, the passion for fencing at the Circolo Pettorelli, his students (“I counted over 500 between Colombini and Istituto Gazzola”), a second degree at horizon (“I like studying and reading but I’m not a nerd”).
At the request of the director, Bracchi addresses a message to young people but not only: “In a world often dominated by frenzy and superficiality, it is essential to carve out moments to cultivate aesthetic sensitivity. Unfortunately, we live in an era in which art and beauty are often trivialized or exploited for commercial purposes. Many improvise as artists without having adequate training, contributing to obscuring the value of genuine art. Social media, while offering a platform for unprecedented visibility, can sometimes fuel this trend. Organizing an exhibition should not be an obsession with success or public acceptance, but rather an opportunity to share a meaningful and authentic aesthetic experience. We must learn to value quality over quantity.”
Speaking of exhibitions, among those organized in Piacenza, one in particular remained in his heart: “The exhibition dedicated to Panini in the 90s, a very important event that attracted audiences from all over Italy. I believe that re-proposing Panini’s work could be an excellent idea to re-engage visitors and promote the local artistic heritage. I proposed to the various administrations to consider this possibility, perhaps with a different approach or slant, to offer the public a new and engaging experience. The Ricci Oddi Gallery? It is a place that inspires me deeply, I will soon organize a visit with one of my classes. I have dedicated a lot of time to studying the figure of Giuseppe Ricci Oddi, the founder of this institution. He was a man of great charm, whose deeds and generosity should be more valued and known, an example for young people.”
Tags: Malinverni Mirror Art tool rediscovering civilizations
