The Palermo Comic Convention returns again this year with a significant theme. The logo of the event was dedicated to “Santuzza”, Santa Rosalia, symbol of rebirth and hope, it is particularly touching and suitable, also considering the 400th anniversary of the discovery of her remains.
The idea of combining modernity and tradition in the poster, using centuries-old iconography and Sican inlays, represents a beautiful way of connecting local culture with the contemporary world of comics and pop culture. Lelio Bonaccorso, known for his talent in telling stories through images, seems to be the perfect choice to represent such a central figure in Palermo culture with a modern and innovative touch.
This edition of the Comic Convention seems to promise not only fun and entertainment, but also a profound cultural reflection, which mixes the art of comics with the history and spirituality of the place. It will certainly be an event not to be missed for fans of the genre and for those interested in discovering how traditions can live and renew themselves in the modern era.
“Symbol of rebirth and hope: Santa Rosalia could only be the protagonist of the new poster of the Palermo Comic Convention, the event dedicated to comics and pop culture which will return to the Cantieri Culturali alla Zisa from 12 to 15 September 2024. work is signed by Lelio Bonaccorso. A singular interweaving of art, culture and historicity that blends modernity and tradition, between centuries-old iconographies and Sican inlays to tell a unique journey between innovation and folklore. «Depicting Santa Rosalia was a real challenge for me» says Lelio Bonaccorso, cartoonist, illustrator and teacher who created the poster on a special occasion: the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the saint’s remains.
There will be numerous activities that will take place during the Festival, many artists who will perform and, all of this, with an organizational formation that has been well-established over time and which has always shown new peculiarities year after year. In the next few months the announcements will begin, the presale will start and – as always in the case of Palermo Comic Convention – the surprises for this ninth, explosive edition will be discovered. Attendance in 2023 was 48 thousand. The goal is to improve.
«When the general director Alessio Riolo commissioned me the work, which then turned into the poster of the next edition of Palermo Comic Convention, I felt the responsibility of representing the most important symbol of the city of Palermo, which I consider my second home after living there for many years. A challenge – adds Bonaccorso – that I would define as not only demanding but also extraordinarily fascinating, which honored me and at the same time imposed on me a sense of reverential fear. An extremely stimulating job that I accepted with enthusiasm.”
«I dedicated – adds Bonaccorso – a lot of time spent studying the graphic and iconographic references and in particular the symbolic aspect of the “Santuzza”. The aim was to blend traditional iconography with more contemporary and pop elements, in line with the spirit of a comics festival. My research led me to explore the marble inlays of eighteenth-century Sicilian churches, such as the church of San Gregorio in Messina and the church of Gesù Casa Professa in Palermo, as well as the Palatine Chapel at the Palazzo dei Normanni. I also examined the Spanish and Central American traditions of Día de Muertos, which are full of vibrant illustrations. This is because one of the symbols of Santa Rosalia is the skull, which represents death but is also a sign of the eternal cycle of life. I chose bright colors not only for their historical significance but also for their communicative impact, aiming to create a poster that would attract attention and at the same time combine tradition and innovation. I would like to express my gratitude – concludes Lelio Bonaccorso – towards the organizers of the Palermo Comic Convention for the opportunity received and I anxiously await the judgment of the people of Palermo and all Sicilians, whose opinions will be the definitive measure of the success of this manifesto”.
Therefore, the color that has always characterized Palermo Comic Convention will return. «We are extremely happy that a great author like Lelio Bonaccorso has taken up a decidedly difficult challenge – states the general director Alessio Riolo –. Palermo Comic Convention is tradition: we start from comics but with a much broader vision we embrace all of pop culture. And this manifesto represents us fully: tradition but also and above all innovation.”
Santuzza will be celebrated with a rich calendar of events and cultural initiatives which, starting from May, will continue until the first months of 2025 involving the entire metropolitan area of the Sicilian capital. Among these events, Palermo Comic Convention could not be missing which, in its ninth edition, will once again transform Palermo into the kingdom of Comics, Games, Cinema and Pop Culture, skilfully combining modernity with traditions“.
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