Approximately nine months have passed since Andrea Benetti, intrigued by the cultural significance of the Castellana Caves—beyond their purely scientific and touristic aspects—proposed this project: an exhibition of Neo-Cave painting inside an ancient cavern.
At first, the idea seemed rather unusual and complex, but I instinctively expressed my enthusiasm for the proposal and committed myself to making it a reality. It is evident that the Grave has never been inhabited by humans, nor are there any anthropomorphic signs within the Castellana Caves, yet the concept of reviving the ancient symbols of cave paintings in a cave reimagined as a cultural space was highly stimulating. Moreover, an art exhibition of such inspiration, in a setting that also houses a museum containing numerous artifacts and information on the caves and their relationship with humans, created an inseparable bond between the two.
After meeting Andrea Benetti and inviting him to explore the caves, visit the karstic complex, and attend the Hell in the Cave performance, an extremely creative collaboration took shape. It was further enriched by prestigious contributions, such as that of the Department of Cultural Heritage at the University of Salento, represented by the esteemed Professor Guastella, and the musician Frank Nemola, who participated with a live performance at the exhibition’s inauguration.
The Board of Directors of the Society, upon further evaluating the initiative from the perspective of enhancing and promoting the caves, fully embraced the project and carried it forward to completion.
The caves tell the story of the Earth and the evolution of humanity, while graffiti recounts the creative artistry of humankind and its development. The desire to immerse oneself in the natural setting of the cave and admire art inspired by the primordial signs of early humans has been so compelling that today, the First Exhibition of Neo-Cave Painting within a cavern like the Grave has become a reality.
I would like to personally thank everyone who recognized the significance of this extraordinary event, believed in the project, and supported it with conviction.