Gibellina: A Journey into Art as Cultural Rebirth
Hidden among the hills of western Sicily, Gibellina stands as an oasis of creativity and beauty. Located in the province of Trapani, this city is known for its cultural fervor and vibrant artistic scene, attracting visitors from around the world. We’re not just talking about a place rich in history and tradition, but a modern framework for contemporary artistic expressions that captivate and inspire. Are you ready to start this journey with Sicilian Secrets?
It was the year 1968 when a strong earthquake – the devastating Belice earthquake – struck Gibellina. A catastrophic event that forever changed the face of this city. After this tragedy, Gibellina Vecchia was abandoned, and a new city, Gibellina Nuova, was built nearby. This devastating event left a permanent scar on the community, but it also provided an opportunity for an unprecedented cultural awakening. Art, in fact, became a tool to turn pain and loss into hope and rebirth. One of the most significant aspects of Gibellina is its connection to contemporary art.
The Grande Cretto, a monumental work created by artist Alberto Burri, has become a true icon of this destination. This monument, that covers the ruins of Gibellina Vecchia with layers of white cement, symbolizes the desire to preserve historical memory while looking towards the future, a powerful message that has brought fame to this town around the world, making it an attraction for Italian and international visitors.
From public artworks…
Gibellina is scattered with public artworks that enrich the experience of those who visit the city. From murals adorning buildings to sculptures decorating squares, art is a part of the urban fabric. Each artwork tells a story, reflects an emotion, or captures a moment of Sicilian life, contributing to creating a unique and engaging atmosphere. Today, Gibellina represents in the Italian panorama the first and most extensive project of urban art, where art infiltrates the territory, giving these places a new identity.
An idea strongly desired, in 1970, by Mayor Ludovico Corrao and his administration, who wished to combine the construction of the new Gibellina with an ambitious project aimed at making the town the largest open-air museum in Italy. With the contribution of renowned artists and architects, both an urban restructuring of spaces dedicated to collective life and the production of over fifty artworks including sculptures and installations to be placed in the territory were achieved.
Must-see artworks
In addition to the aforementioned Grande Cretto, there are other symbolic works of Gibellina. The arrival in the city is greeted by the Stella d’ingresso al Belice, created in 1981 by Pietro Consegna. Also by Consegna is the Meeting (1972), a work that represents the architectural representation of the ‘frontal city’ idea, a sinuous building made of glass and steel that currently houses the bus station and serves as a meeting point for those who enjoy meeting for a coffee. Moving just out of town, exactly in contrada Salinella, stands the work Montagna di Sale.
A hill of fiberglass, cement, and rubble within which wooden horses are embedded, seemingly sinking into the white. Or perhaps they are, on the contrary, rising upward? Each to their own interpretation! What we know is that the author, Mimmo Paladino, created it as a metaphor for the pain and tragedy experienced by the inhabitants of Gibellina in 1968. Lastly, a visit to the Chiesa Madre of Ludovico Quaroni and Luisa Anversa is a must-see, striking the eye with its immense white sphere. This too was designed as a symbol of rebirth after the earthquake, also presenting itself as a revolutionary building with an unconventional architectural language.
…to the Ludovico Corrao Museum of Contemporary Art
The ‘scent’ of art is everywhere in Gibellina. The ‘spread out’ artworks are undoubtedly the first to catch the visitor’s eye, but the beating heart of this creative phenomenon is certainly the Ludovico Corrao Museum of Contemporary Art. This exhibition space houses a vast collection of around 2000 works by Italian and international artists; rotating exhibitions also offer a dynamic and stimulating experience for visitors, who can immerse themselves in contemporary art in a suggestive environment painted with curious historical notes. The collection began to take shape in 1980 thanks to the contribution of famous artists; just in this museum, names like Mario Schifano, Arnaldo Pomodoro, and Pietro Consagra coexist.
Gibellina, scars turned into energy
Here, art is not only about monumental works or museum exhibitions. In the city, creativity dictates the rhythm of local vitality, of the community that lives Gibellina every day, with its complexities, offering a unique perspective on this corner of Sicily. The impact on the people of the territory is profound; art stimulates dialogue and promotes mutual understanding, an involvement able to generate a strong sense of belonging and pride, reinforcing the social and cultural fabric of the destination. Over time, Gibellina has managed to transform its scars into a source of inspiration, becoming a beacon in the magnificent island.
