The event organized a few days ago, sponsored by A.N.F.E. Marche (National Association of Emigrant Families), was a great success with the public and featured the presence of the world-renowned artist Andrea Benetti in the city. The meeting, strongly desired by the president of the Marche-based moral institution, Professor Rocco Fazzini, was held at the association’s operational headquarters in Piazza del Popolo and was titled “Ascoli Travertine in Art.”
Benetti is especially well known for Neo-Cave Art, which he describes as “the most fascinating way in which matter tells the story of the spirit.”
The event, open to the public, was attended not only by experts and enthusiasts linked to A.N.F.E. but also by prominent figures from the fields of art, physics, economics, and politics, including Caterina Canetti, an internationally renowned restorer and expert in conservation and restoration, as well as the founder of Mood in Florence.
Benetti’s visit to Ascoli also included the presentation of his book “Unusual Exploration Within Speed”, a volume with an original cover featuring critiques, reflections, and analyses of speed in various scientific fields, along with artworks by the artist that express his vision of speed through painting. The book’s preface is written by the political scientist Gianfranco Pasquino, professor of political science at the University of Bologna.
The occasion also provided an opportunity to introduce a projects to the audience:
A sort of “promise” made to the city of Ascoli: Benetti has committed to holding an exhibition next year showcasing his paintings and compositions made with elements of Ascoli travertine. The exhibition will start at the caves of Forte Malatesta, displaying painted travertine slabs, and then move to Palazzo dei Capitani, where a collection of unique canvas works will be displayed, created using Ascoli travertine powder. The material for the occasion was donated by the Fratelli Cardi company of Acquasanta.
Later in the morning, Benetti was also received by Mayor Castelli at Palazzo dell’Arengo, where they engaged in a lengthy discussion. On this occasion, the artist presented the mayor with the two latest volumes of his work and reaffirmed his commitment to the 2014 exhibition. This exhibition will once again be organized by A.N.F.E., which also sponsored the Frasassi project and is engaged not only in migration-related issues but also in cultural activities.
The bond between the Bolognese artist and the institution led by Fazzini is now well established. It dates back nearly a year, when, on the occasion of the association’s 65th anniversary, both were received by Pope Benedict XVI. On that occasion, Benetti presented the Pontiff with one of his artworks depicting Karol Wojtyła, which remains on display in the Vatican Museums to this day.