I have been following the blog of artist Roberto Alborghetti for some time and was delighted to find that there would be an exhibition of his work in the southern Tuscan town of Piancastagnaio. I need no further excuse to explore a Tuscan town and area I haven’t seen.
The exhibition is being held in the amazing La Rocca Aldobrandesca, an ancient castle in the beautiful hilltop town of Piancastagnaio.
We arrived to find the doors to the castle closed so we wandered in the town for a while and returned in time to meet a charming Italian man heading for the entrance. It just happened to be Roberto, the artist……lucky us. He took us into the castle and we had a personal tour of the exhibition.
The works of art were on display on several floors of the castle. Come for a walk up the many steps, and meet Roberto.
Roberto’s art is unique. He photographs tiny corners of publicity posters, magnifies them many times and transfers them onto paper or canvas, or silk ( to make a limited edition range of silk scarves.) He changes nothing, the colours are the same, the image is the same, but unrecognisable in the new form.
It all began by happy accident when walking through Milan in heavy rain, when he noticed an advertising poster disintegrating in the rain. He saw how fleeting an image can be and his art began.
I found the next piece fascinating. What looks like 2 dancers is in fact a magnification of cracks in the seat of a Milan bound train.
Roberto was at the castle for a few days to speak to students about his style of art. We met him just after one of his lectures and he was excited about the enthusiasm he found with his young pupils.
As a lovely bonus he took us to the top of the castle to see the magnificent views over the Tuscany countryside.
….and the gorgeous Piancastagnaio.
Take a look at Roberto’s blog….robertoalborghetti.wordpress.com…..and say hello to this delightful man. One of the the things I love most about my WordPress blog is the lovely people I meet along the way.
For more information about Roberto’s art look at www.myspace.com/lacer-azioni
Wonderful, Debra! What an interesting approach to art; I look forward to exploring Roberto’s blog. Serendipity is a great thing. Years ago, we were visiting Seville and I was reading James Michener’s “Iberia.” We stopped into an art gallery owned by an American man who also was a bullfighter mentioned in the book; the gentleman was there, gave us a tour of the gallery and spoke to us at length. Those are moments to remember.
Oh, and the tiled roof shots – essential Italy!
By: composerinthegarden on October 8, 2012
at 1:08 pm
Meeting interesting people is the best part of travelling.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 8, 2012
at 3:32 pm
Most unusual and beautiful art. I also think that the silk scarves must be wonderful.
The rocca is a marvel. It was built by the Aldobrandeschi, a feudal family of Lombard origins who were permanently fighting with everyone around, the Sienese in particular. They produced several mighty warriors, a couple of cardinals and even a Pope (someone had to pray for their souls) until the family became extinct. Their heirs were the Sforzas (Dukes of Milan), another bunch of fearless warriors, but the feudal era was ending.
Fortunately, the rocca has been restored and it now serves a more peaceful purpose.
Great photos and the town looks wonderful. Thank you, Debra.
By: mulino dominillo on October 8, 2012
at 2:04 pm
So, all their fighting came to nothing in the end. At least they left behind some interesting buildings.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 8, 2012
at 3:33 pm
Thanks for sharing the art and capturing the pics from Piancastagnaio.
Personal request, Have you ever taken pictures in Pescia?
By: aFrankAngle on October 8, 2012
at 2:18 pm
I have taken a few photos in Pescia. I sent the post to you ( I hope) As I said, it was siesta time when we were there and I didn’t take many photos. I need to go back, it is not far away.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 8, 2012
at 3:35 pm
Oh no … I can’t remember!
By: aFrankAngle on October 9, 2012
at 12:17 am
The post was called An afternoon in Pescia. I tried to email it to you yesterday, but I am never sure if these things work.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 9, 2012
at 5:58 am
We’ll stay in touch about this. 🙂
By: aFrankAngle on October 9, 2012
at 10:17 am
What beautiful work! Thanks to sharing! I wish I could paint. I’ve always wanted to but unfortunately I’m not too artistic in this area. My mom is though.
By: thirdeyemom on October 8, 2012
at 2:33 pm
You paint with your camera……like Roberto….a little.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 8, 2012
at 3:23 pm
oh Deb what a treat! I love every painting!!! I would love one of these scarves for Christmas! ha
By: Melonie Carideo on October 8, 2012
at 3:29 pm
I’m sure you could buy one through his website.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 8, 2012
at 3:36 pm
How did you resist the scarf, was it majorly expensive?
By: rozmacallan on October 8, 2012
at 8:15 pm
Me too. The silk scarf is quite an art piece. Thanks for such an interesting intro to this very clever artist.
By: dianne Cant on October 8, 2012
at 9:34 pm
Dear Debra, I have no words to explain my happiness… Thank you so much !!! Your reportage is wonderful. I’m so moved… Thank you!
By: roberto alborghetti on October 8, 2012
at 10:09 pm
We really enjoyed meeting you and we loved your exhibition Roberto.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 8, 2012
at 10:18 pm
Reblogged this on robertoalborghetti and commented:
FELLOW BLOGGER DEBRA KOLKA VISITED MY “COLORS OF AN APOCALYPSE” SHOW AT ALDOBRANDESCA FORTRESS, IN TUSCANY. SHE POSTED THIS WONDERFUL REPORTAGE… THANK YOU SO MUCH DEBRA!
By: roberto alborghetti on October 8, 2012
at 10:12 pm
Absolutely fantastic works! Bellisimo!!
By: incidentallearner on October 9, 2012
at 12:58 am
I hope you take a look at Roberto’s site.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 9, 2012
at 5:55 am
It amazes me how people see things so differently, what an amazing artist.
By: Where's Wiwi? on October 9, 2012
at 8:56 am
I don’t think I have heard of anyone else doing this.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 11, 2012
at 8:18 am
[…] http://bagnidilucca.wordpress.com/2012/10/08/an-artist-in-a-castle-in-tuscany/ […]
By: ANCHE BLOGGERS DALL’AUSTRALIA PER VISITARE LA MOSTRA DELLE “LACER/AZIONI” DI ROBERTO ALBORGHETTI PRESSO L’ANTICA ROCCA ALDOBRANDESCA SUL MONTE AMIATA ( ED HANNO SCRITTO UN MAGNIFICO REPORTAGE!) | OKAY! on October 9, 2012
at 3:44 pm
Thank you for sharing Debrah, your images are beautiful. i am following Roberto’s blog to since a while, he is a great artist, lucky you to get to meet him
By: corneliaweberphotography on October 10, 2012
at 12:56 am
Roberto is also charming and very interesting.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 11, 2012
at 8:19 am
beautiful place…thanx
By: modern classic furniture on October 10, 2012
at 3:54 am
Debra, thanks! What a great connection as you say. I love the look of Roberto’s work. And your photo peeking over the wall is sublime.
By: Janine on October 10, 2012
at 5:31 am
I’m sure you will love Roberto’s blog.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 11, 2012
at 8:19 am
What beautiful artworks! And magnificent to get a personal tour from the artist himself too! 🙂
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on October 10, 2012
at 6:45 am
It was great to have Roberto to show us the exhibition and tell us all about his work.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 11, 2012
at 8:20 am
What beautiful pieces. I would imagine quite a few artists would love to have their artworks displayed in a castle.
By: cityhippyfarmgirl on October 10, 2012
at 7:44 pm
It was certainly a beautiful place to display his art.
By: Debra Kolkka on October 11, 2012
at 8:21 am
What a wonderful and varied post, Debra. 🙂 I love Roberto’s artwork.
By: adinparadise on October 20, 2012
at 6:01 pm
Very nice, Debra, I became acquainted with the artists whom I bought my paintings from. They’re always have that distinct character, every time. Always nice to meet new acquaintances during travel, esp. the ones with creative minds, talents and interesting stories to share. You’re lucky to actually MEET him. And I’m sure Roberto had the pleasure to have met you.
By: rommel on October 21, 2012
at 9:13 pm
[…] http://bagnidilucca.wordpress.com/2012/10/08/an-artist-in-a-castle-in-tuscany/ […]
By: FROM NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES TO WEBSITES: THE EYES OF MEDIA ON MY “COLORS OF AN APOCALYPSE” EXHIBITION | robertoalborghetti on November 13, 2012
at 5:19 pm
[…] more on Roberto Alborghetti’s exhibition which will continue until January 2013, click here. Thousands of visitors have already been to the castle….don’t miss […]
By: Piancastagnaio in southern Tuscany « Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on December 5, 2012
at 8:17 pm
[…] Roberto Alborghetti’s art exhibition took us to the delightful southern Tuscan town of Piancastagnaio. […]
By: My favourite places in 2012 « Bagni di Lucca and Beyond on December 31, 2012
at 12:34 am