This year the project will take place in the Province of Cosenza for the first time, to engage with the history of the Archaeological Park of Sibari. This area of the Calabrian territory, topographically known as Sibaritide, saw the rise, expansion and decline of the great polis of Sybaris. Following the destruction of the Greek city, the Classical center of Thurii and the Roman city of Copia were founded, partially overlapping its ruins. This exceptional stratification makes Sibari one of the largest and most important sites in the Mediterranean up until the Roman Age. The Park includes the Sibaritide National Archaeological Museum, the Horse Park Archaeological Area and the Amendolara National Archaeological Museum.
Residents
The residency program 2023 was curated by Nicola Guastamacchia, Nicola Nitido and Maria Luigia Gioffrè, with the curatorial support of Roberta Garieri.
Jury
Bruno Barsanti
Director, Fondazione Elpis
Alessandra Franetovich
Art Historian and Curator
Ellen Pavey & Nastassja Simensky
AHA Network, UCL
Gianmarco Porru
Artist and resident 2022
Matilde Sambo
Irabis
The artist was fascinated to discover that the destruction of the ancient city occurred due to the diversion of the Crati river by Crotone. Water was since then a constant presence and a problem for the territory and its conservation - with strong similarities with the city where Sambo was born, Venice. After visiting the excavations of Sibari, the artist realized that the city is not there: you cannot see it. Turi and Copia were built on its ruins. This understanding transformed the shape of Sibari into a dream, into a city of infinite possibilities and forms. Irabis is therefore a mirrored city: reflection and possibility. Three square tanks (recalling the shape of the hole that shows the three layers of the city in the Park) inside which mirrors are positioned. On top, three clay cities are submerged in water. Where clay is not cooked, sculptures melt, becoming potential and living matter again.
Install view 39° Nord 16°3’ Est, Fondazione Elpis, Photo Fabrizio Vatieri, 2024.
Partners
COMUNE DI
AMENDOLARA
