The fifth edition of the Festival Barocco & Neobarocco will take place in Ragusa (Sicily) from June 18 to 22, with exhibitions open through June 29. Conceived and curated by architect and professor Roberto Semprini, the Festival is organized by the Associazione Stupor Mundi and held in some of the most beautiful historic buildings in Ragusa Ibla, including Palazzo Nicastro, Palazzo Cosentini, Palazzo La Rocca, and the former Church of San Vincenzo Ferreri.
All the works on display have been created specifically for the event and offer a contemporary reinterpretation of the Baroque through design, painting, photography, fashion, architecture, and urban planning.
The theme of this year’s edition is Rebirth: Architecture and Urban Planning in Historic Centers. The festival draws from the past – whose understanding is essential to shape the future – focusing on the rebirth of the Val di Noto following the 1693 earthquake: a period of reconstruction and artistic flourishing marked by the founding of new cities. Today, historic centers face increasing depopulation and the loss of commercial activities, once vital elements of the urban fabric. The Festival aims to reflect on the role of integrated architecture and urban planning in the regeneration of cities.
Conferences will be held at the former Church of San Vincenzo Ferreri. Scheduled speakers include: Nicola Russi, director of the Gubbio Award; Byoung Soo Cho, director of the Seoul Architecture Biennale; Daniele Kihlgren, founder and CEO of Sextantio; Cristina Morozzi, journalist and design critic; and Gianluca Mollura, founder and CEO of MOHD. A video contribution by Renzo Piano is also part of the program.
Across the city’s palaces: at Palazzo Nicastro, sculptures by Sandro Bracchitta will be on display. The ground floor of Palazzo Cosentini will host works by students from the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera (Milan), coordinated by Semprini, while the main floor will feature projects by architect Byoung Soo Cho, designer/artist Pietro Russo, and artist Sergio Fiorentino.
Palazzo La Rocca will exhibit photographs by Cosmo Laera, professor at the Brera Academy. Meanwhile, the former Church of San Vincenzo Ferreri will showcase wallpaper and seating designs by Roberto Semprini.
