June 11 – July 3, 2011
Sestri Levante – Italy

The exhibition explores the relationship between ceramics and the world of written signs, that the two artists have been analyzing thru their works.

Antonella Ravagli, a ceramic artist from Faenza, has been using many kind of signs in her works, abstract forms of meaning that she paints, engraves, prints or shapes into clay.

Her delicately colored, sometimes monochromatic ceramics deliver their messages thru their signs and patinas, a low voiced message that is as strong as if it were shouted. Quoting from her website: “It often happens that people who get in touch with my works are  instinctively reminded of interrupted sentences, fragments from an unfinished speech that vaguely wander in the memory, yet not lacking an emotional stirring”.

Alfredo Gioventù, ceramic artist and sculptor from Sestri Levante, has been making pottery for over 20 years, experimenting with high temperature materials and “celadon” glazes.

Alfredo’s works voice the silence and the spare, carefully-chosen words of his land, Liguria. A place where nothing can ever be wasted and sound and signs are equally meaningful.

His keen interest for regional culture and landscapes has fuelled the formulation of a specific kind of  stoneware that perfectly imitates the pebbles of Liguria beaches. Using his “pebbles” and pieces of woods or clays molded by the sea he creates unique art works and a line of products that is sold in his “Opificio”, a show room and studio where he revives the ancient profession of the artist- craftsman. He is very proud of his double role, which to him is actually the one and only way to interpret tradition and to innovate.

Verba Manent
Torre dei Doganieri
Vico Macelli, Sestri Levante (Genoa)