Book presentation at PAN, Naples
Yesterday we presented my book “Arte Contemporanea in Indonesia, un’introduzione” in Naples at the PAN|Palazzo delle Arti Napoli. It has been great to hear how the curators and professors who partecipated analyzed my book from their own personal perspective and background. Their approaches made me reconsider my research from new angles. It was bit surreal too, I’ve to admit. Like, is it really the work of this Sorrentinean brat over here they are talking about?
The presentation has been introduced by curator Maria Savarese, who is a key figure of the cultural scene in the Campania region and beyond. She has close working relationship with Indonesia and she has recently curated show “Bali Bulè”. During the presentation she gave an overview of the book focusing in particular on the expat artists working in Bali. Giuseppe Testa, honorary consul of Indonesia in Naples, gave his official salute who also read some excerpts from my interviews with Indonesian artists. Valentina Levy, an Asian art historian and curator, made a very important digression on the meaning of exoticism and the importance of texts that would introduce the emerging contemporary art scenes. Antonia Soriente, professor of Indonesian languages and literature at Università di Napoli L’Orientale, put the book in the wider Indonesian cultural context, mentioning also the shows she saw in Indonesia during her 20 years permanence. Vincenzo Montella, founder and director of Centro d’arte e cultura “Il Ramo D’Oro”, talked about the importance of cultural exchanges, which he has always brought forward with his gallery, especially with Indonesia. A lively discussion followed, and we have been happy to answer the questions from the audience.
Special thanks go to the PAN who hosted us, to Maria who organized the event, Mr. Testa, Valentina, Vincenzo e Antonia for their partecipation and interest in the project. Thanks also to Angelo Marra, who took the following pictures, to my dear friend Laslo and everybody who came!
More info on where to find the book here
