In Bologna on the days of February 2, 7 and 8, 2026, on the occasion of Art City, at Alchemilla the format Artisti Marziali (Martial Artists) returns, born in 2024 and curated by Veronica Santi. The project, of experimental nature, has the objective of deepening and investigating the artistic practices of the authors called to participate through dialogues lasting forty minutes, structured by an exchange of questions posed in turn.
Artisti Marziali | Federico Tosi vs Davide Sgambaro, 2025, ph. Luca Peruzzi
Each encounter provides for direct confrontation between two artists, in a free conversation. There are no interventions by curators, gallerists, journalists or museum directors and, devoid of moderators, the dialogue takes place standing one facing the other, in an imaginary ring placed in one of the rooms of Palazzo Vizzani. The space is connoted, alive, always traversed by artists and art operators who, in constant contact, nourish themselves on their confrontations. This reminds us of the importance of listening and offers a key to reading the initiative, which demonstrates how the palazzo becomes a place of narrations, where stories and reflections can take always new forms thanks to those present and the specific relationship that is established between them. Despite this, the format could in the future also be hosted by museums and other types of spaces, as long as it maintains its identity and the established rules.
Artisti Marziali | Giulia Cenci vs Vincenzo Simone, 2025, ph. Luca Peruzzi, courtesy Alchemilla
The six couples selected for this edition are the following: February 2 at 6:00 PM Allison Grimaldi Donahue vs Ramona Ponzini, at 7:30 PM Sissi vs Yuri Ancarani; February 7 at 3:00 PM Rudy Cremonini vs Eugenia Vanni, at 4:30 PM Paolo Chiasera vs Giulia Poppi; February 8 at 11:00 AM Alessandro Brighetti vs Jacopo Benassi, at 12:30 PM Anna de Manincor vs Emilio Fantin. As indicated by the curator, the choice generally starts from an artist, but takes in a second moment a rather intuitive turn. Often, in fact, the opponent is called according to criteria of interest, desire for knowledge and affinity. Not always do the participants already know each other, but the encounters always highlight a constant, that is the emergence of profound and significant aspects of work and life.
Artisti Marziali | Stefania Galegati vs Flavio Favelli, 2024, ph. courtesy Alchemilla
To the project, which does not provide for winners or competitions, is added a further element, that is a documentation conceived to be subsequently disseminated as podcast. In this way a multifunctional instrument is outlined, a container that will also be in the future a useful device for criticism and investigation. Admission is free upon reservation to be requested by writing to: info@alchemilla43.it.
Sofia Sabaini
Info:
Artisti Marziali // Art City Edition
Curated by Veronica Santi
2-7-8 febbraio 2026
Alchemilla, Palazzo Vizzani
Via Santo Stefano 43, Bologna
Promoted by Alchemilla
In collaboration with Nassau Bologna
Free admission upon reservation
www.alchemilla43.it
is a contemporary art magazine since 1980
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