42nd National Madonnari Meeting

08/15/2014

The event featured 163 madonnari from all over the world, including Mexico, the Americas, Europe, France, Switzerland, and Morocco, creating a vibrant international atmosphere. The organizers made a special effort to reestablish personal contacts with the artists, encouraging them to participate despite the current crisis and fostering a dialogue that had somewhat lapsed in previous years. The event also hosted visits from experts such as Philippe Daverio, who was able to observe this unique artistic phenomenon up close. Visitors had the chance to admire finely crafted works and appreciate the beauty of the church’s sculptures, while the artists had the opportunity to be recognized and rewarded for their creativity. In this way, the event combined tradition, visual art, and the promotion of emerging artists, establishing itself as a truly unique cultural occasion.

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Marina Ferrari - President of Pro Loco Curtatone
On the churchyard there are 163 street painters, coming practically from all over the world: Mexico, the Americas, all of Europe including France. This is the first year we have French artists; we also have Swiss, Moroccan ones — as I was saying, practically from everywhere. Last year we saw that there was a problem, we analyzed it, and we tried to solve it.
We renewed even personal contacts with all the street painters and asked them to stand by us, because we understand that there is a crisis — and it’s not only an economic one. Still, it seemed right to us to resume a dialogue which, in our view, had somehow been interrupted, and the response was truly fantastic. This year, moreover, we have a special case: there are two artists working on panels. It’s not that they have a privilege, but since they had health problems, they said, ‘As long as you allow us to work on panels, we’ll come.’ And on top of that, we know that this year Philippe Daverio, as honorary president, will come to see this curious phenomenon of the madonnari. I think he will also be fascinated by the fair itself, because it is such a unique fair that I believe he will enjoy it.
Federico Pillan - Madonnaro Master
I would much rather paint on the ground, but well, this year I really wouldn’t have been able to kneel. On asphalt it’s more fascinating for the public, because a painting on the ground is more traditional, and actually painting the pavement itself is more beautiful, it makes a stronger impression. Wood — this is chipboard — allows for greater care of the details.
Such a small figure on asphalt would be absolutely impossible — there are pros and cons. Another advantage is that it can be preserved: this is a painting that can be kept, whereas on the ground it all disappears with the first rain.
Taki Chihiro - Madonnara
Right now it’s a lot of fun to paint, to draw, really fun, and I also like this church. I went inside yesterday — very lovely, so many sculptures, I like it a lot.
Torres Sanchez Arturo - Madonnaro
I come from Peru and I am very happy to participate in the Madonnari, which is a national competition in Italy. I like art, so I had the opportunity to meet all these artists.
Arturo Gelati - Member of the Jury
I already took a walk through last night and I saw a beautiful setup. For the subjects I’ve already seen, you have to be very careful and see them finished, because you can make an initial impression, but if the work isn’t finished, you can’t give a perfect judgment. I’m proud that these young artists, all of them in general, are being considered for a prize or a mention, because they also have the right to receive recognition.