Fragments of illuminations

The spaces of San Francesco della Scarpa in Lecce are lit up with the exhibition “Fragments of illuminations”, the last chapter of the second edition of the international atFestFestival of digital arts and new technologies. But, before the small light bulbs light up, before the galleries, the pediments, the large rose windows sparkle, before the noble art of illumination and its masters there is their long history and all the charm of craftsmanship that has become an all Salento excellence. The load-bearing elements, the iron wire for the tie rods, the stairs, the electric cable that runs along the design of the single piece and the connections between one and the other become protagonists.

The installation, curated by Peter Zuiderwijk, artist designer based in The Hague and founder of the Collective Works project, a group that works with an approach of continuous research and interaction between context and community, makes use of the collaboration of the Parisi Luminarie Brothers and CoDE, masters for six generations, since 1896, who export their art all over the world. The lights, or "'lights in the air", arise from devotion. When there was still no electric light and the faithful expressed their thanks to the saints by setting lights up to be a little closer to them. Since those lamps powered by oil or acetylene, so much has changed and the exhibition offers the opportunity to retrace the luminous history and evolution of the lights.

The exhibition is open until January 2nd.

Hours: 18-20, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 19-22.