In Parma, a large exhibition explores the use of the arts as a tool for legitimising power through the works created between the 16th and 18th centuries and commissioned by the important Farnese family. The exhibition also saw an important commitment on the part of the Order of Architects of Parma, both as regards the thematic core dedicated to architecture, as well as in the promotion of initiatives that bring citizens closer to architecture such as the "FarneSiamo" programme aimed at young people.
Starting on March 18, the Complesso monumentale della Pilotta in Parma will host a large exhibition dedicated to the works commissioned by the Farnese family. A journey through the works created between the 16th and 18th centuries to explore the use of the arts as a tool for legitimising the power of this important Italian family with a specific focus on architecture. A collection of over 200 architectural drawings from Italian and foreign loans will be on display which, together with models, graphics and films, will offer the public a close look at the great architectural constructions that, like the works of art, were created thanks to the patronage of the influential Italian family. The exhibition will emphasise both the visionary nature of this important Italian family and the works they left us, as well as the use of art and architecture for the dynastic affirmation and the legitimisation of their power. The exhibition is organised into different thematic sections and will be set up in the different spaces of the Complesso monumentale della Pilotta in Parma, being part of the project focused on relaunching the structure that has recently been the subject of an important restoration and reconfiguration of its spaces.
Organised thanks to the collaboration with various bodies and museum institutions of the cities of Parma and Naples, as well as with loans from private and public Italian and European collections, the exhibition has seen an important commitment on the part of the Order of Architects, Urban Planners, Landscape Architects and Heritage Preservers of Parma. "For us architects" explains Daniele Pezzali, President of the Order of Architects of Parma, "the exhibition "I FARNESE. Architettura, Arte, Potere" (The Farnese Family. Architecture, Art, Power) will, above all, have an educational value, because it will emphasise the fact that architecture is a social good. The dynastic events of the Farnese family teach us that architecture can represent a lasting vehicle for communicating culture and an extraordinary participatory instrument in public life. We therefore hope that this exhibition will serve as an opportunity for communities to reacquire the values expressed by architecture, which are often lost, bringing the civitas closer to its urban spaces."
The Order of Architects of Parma, in collaboration with Verd&Acque, has in fact organised a double event dedicated to young people to promote the dissemination of architectural culture within the 8 to 12 age group. Two events aimed at children, with a specific focus on the architecture of the Farnese family: the first as part of the "I FARNESE. Architettura, Arte, Potere" exhibition and the second through a guided tour of the city of Fidenza, to discover the signs of this important past in its architecture.
(Agnese Bifulco)
Title: I FARNESE. Architettura, Arte, Potere
Location: Parma, Complesso Monumentale della Pilotta, Piazza della Pilotta, 15
Date: March 18 - July 31, 2022
Curated by Simone Verde
General curatorial support: Carla Campanini, Maria Cristina Quagliotti, Pietro Zanlari
Arts and Collections Section: Simone Verde
Architecture Section: Bruno Adorni, Carlo Mambriani and Pietro Zanlari with Simone Verde
Music Section: Alberto Triola - The Toscanini
Exhibition design: Pietro Zanlari with Enrico Maria Ferrari
Organised by: Complesso Monumentale della Pilotta in collaborazione con Università degli Studi di Parma, Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte, Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, Archivio di Stato di Parma, Ordine degli Architetti PPC di Parma, Fondazione Cariparma, Fondazione Arturo Toscanini
Scientific Committee: Chairman Bruno Adorni
Executive Committee: Carla Campanini, Francesca Magri, Carlo Mambriani, Daniele Pezzali
Produced by: Complesso Monumentale della Pilotta in partnership with Electa
With the support of: City of Parma, Parma Italian Capital of Culture 2020+2021
Sponsored by Ministry of Culture of Italy
Catalogue: Electa
Photo by: Bruno Adorni, Giovanni Hänninen, Paolo Portoghesi
