Massimiliano Gatti: The Day Memory Dissolved

Exhibition. Curated by Renato Miracco.

Massimiliano Gatti presents a stunning record of work: recent images from Syria (Palmyra, Apamea, Resafa) and Iraq (Khorsabad, and the Jerwan site, both near Mosul). The exhibition – which includes photographs of structures before their deliberate destruction; sites looted for profit; and fragile ruins that remain intact – is not a work of journalism, but rather a poetic investigation of objects and structures as metaphor.

This show of 25 color giclée inkjet prints of landscapes and artifacts embraces work from four projects: “Rovine” (“Ruins,” 2009–current), “In superficie (“On the surface,” 2014), “Limes” (in Latin, “Boundary/border,” 2011), and “Questo è il giorno in cui la memoria si è dissolta” (“This is the day that memory dissolved,” 2016).

The photographer joined an interdisciplinary research group, led by the University of Udine, at several renowned archaeological sites.

Register for opening reception: Here

This exhibition is part of “Protecting our Heritage,” a focal topic for the Washington cluster of EUNIC (the European Union National Institutes of Culture). EUNIC considers heritage as a source of identity, learning, and inspiration for present and future generations; this program is implemented with the support of UNESCO and in partnership with a number of prominent institutions, including international organizations, universities, museums, and foundations.

This exhibition is also part of the Italian Academy’s International Observatory for Cultural Heritage, which launches in 2016–17 with a group of Fellows studying the conservation, protection and preservation of heritage and the contemporary destruction of art and architecture. A series of exhibitions and conferences also addresses the political uses and abuses of cultural heritage as well as the exchange, transport, and trafficking of objects. The Academy and its international partners will support and highlight the work of scholars, archaeologists, art historians, technicians, conservators, law enforcement, and experts in diplomacy, law, and protective services.

Co-sponsored by: the Embassy of Italy, Washington DC; AIFIC (American Initiative for Italian Culture); Melchionna, PLLC

Opening reception: Oct 18, 6pm
Exhibition continues until Nov.16;
Hours: weekdays 9:30 am–4:30 pm
(Closed on Mon/Tues, Nov 7/8)

Free and open to the public.

From The Italian Academy at Columbia University.