Transition of the seasons, art and beauty in Tuscany.

THE SPLENDID END OF SUMMER

Volterra, Tuscany, September 2023

At KALPA, surrounded by the immense peaceful beauty of our Tuscan landscape and history, we celebrate the unhurried transition of the seasons of nature and of our work with Rainer Maria Rilke's thoughtful poetry: 

“Lord: it is time. The huge summer has gone by.
Now overlap the sundials with your shadows,
and on the meadows let the wind go free.
Command the fruits to swell on tree and vine;
grant them a few more warm transparent days.
urge them on to fulfilment then, and press
the final sweetness into the heavy wine (...)”

The historical Palazzo Bonomini, home of KALPA Galleries since 2019, opens its newly restored rooms on the first floor. Elegant artworks and whisperings of sublime creativity will welcome visitors with languages and techniques divers and creative.

At the beginning of September, we invite you to discover the rooms of the piano nobile, crowning a three-year restoration process aimed at carefully preserving the original atmosphere of the Palazzo and consolidating the link between history and our times. As an unraveling of history, the restoration works tell the story of the property’s origins and its features. Original elements, such as stairs, alcoves, window and door openings have been rediscovered and reintegrated, preserving all traces of the passage of time, undertaken in a discerning innovative manner by the Tuscan restorer Cristiano Sabelli.

The original beam ceiling and Cementine tiled floor have been uncovered, as well as hidden niches and delicate wall decorations. Portraying step-by-step the historical authenticity of the building, KALPA has been working with local artisans using natural materials and stones.

Formerly, the piano nobile was the heart of the daily life of the building, comprising a succession of warm rooms used as living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms. Recalling its private and intimate atmosphere, KALPA aims to create a sophisticated context of art living, integrating furniture and musical instruments within a selection of paintings and sculptures from our represented artists.

KALPA participates in the special night of culture in ancient Volterra, the Red Night, presenting an interlude of art and music. 

One night to discover historical archives, private and noble residencies, hidden corners and monuments; one night dedicated to culture, to concerts and exhibitions, to poetry and theatre. Volterra's yearly cultural event Red Night - La Notte Rossa - will be held on 9th September when the historical centre of the city will be illuminated with red light. 

During this special night, visitors to KALPA are welcome until late evening, to enjoy the ambience of art and music featuring a cello soloist in one of the most fascinating rooms on the ground floor of the Gallery, alongside a piano performance played on a XIX instrument in the sophisticated interiors of its newly opened piano nobile.   

Flowing into the vibrant universe of KALPA Galleries, art meets the genius loci. We create immersive exhibitions and unexpected dialogues between contemporary art and archeology, reveling in a melody of textures, colours, and materials. 

These are the last days to visit the "Prophetia" exhibition in the Palazzo dei Priori, celebrating our Etruscan heritage in a contemporary art site-specific installation.

The intersection of temporal and spatial planes, of sky and earth, of present research and ancient artworks. Italian artist Federico Gori’s Prophetia embodies a contemporary prophecy and evokes the spiritual chords of the ancient Etruscans.

The site-specific installation relates to the Etruscan partition of the sky into four segments, each of which is in turn subdivided, corresponding to a different deity of the pantheon. Recalling the unity of the celestial dome, the four segments of the installation are intended to establish conceptual and visual connections to each other. Alongside the overall drawing of the sixteen copper plates, a curated selection of Etruscan cinerary artefacts is placed in such a way as to enhance these relationships and to display a conversation of glances and body postures that capture the spirit of a civilization still very much alive in our own time. 

Through contact with different materials, copper oxidises and changes its composition and appearance, giving Prophetia the status of a living work of art that is constantly evolving.

Cover photo: courtesy of Vittoria Pauletto

Photography of Palazzo Bonomini: Olga Niescier for KALPA

Photography of Prophetia exhibition: Simone Stanislai for KALPA

Video of Prophetia exhibition: Vittorio Marrucci for KALPA

KALPA INSTAGRAM