Born to champion the vibrant talents of Southern Italy, the Mediterranean Cocktail of Art II blossomed as a radiant showcase of Mediterranean culture, defying the homogenized tide of globalization. Organized by Napulitanamente magazine, this magnificent multi-art event unfolded across six dates in Naples and Tropea, celebrating the authentic art forms of Campania and Calabria with infectious passion. From April 3 to April 6, then April 8 and 15, artists, performers, and audiences wove a tapestry of Neapolitan and Calabrian heritage, inviting the world to fall in love with their creativity and spirit.
The Neapolitan Prelude
The journey began at Naples’ Piccola Galleria Resistente, where a pre-event exhibition from April 3–6 set the stage for artistic brilliance. Curated by Antonio Conte and Ljdia Musso, the gallery burst with Conte’s vibrant paintings and Musso’s monochrome photographs. Their works danced alongside creations by Marialaura Sanzone, Domenico Salierno, and photographers Paola Francesca Barone and Renata Petti.
Napulitanamente scheduled performances every night featuring artists who previously appeared in previous issues of Napulitanamente magazine. Neapolitan actor Alberto Pagliarulo acted as godfather to emerging talents, delivering Mullechelle’ e Tradizzione, a spirited monologue that wove Neapolitan traditions with humor and heart, igniting the event’s cultural dedication.
The second evening welcomed author and actor Tommaso Tuccillo, whose theatrical presentation of Il Mercadante già Teatro del Fondo. Storia di un teatro napoletano guided audiences through the storied evolution of Naples’ second Royal Theater from the 18th century to today, a love letter to Neapolitan heritage.
On the third night, the band E.Versi, poet Domenico Cipriano, trumpeter Carmine Cataldo, and keyboardist Fabio Lauria, enchanted with Nu Jazz Poetry, a sophisticated fusion of verse and jazz. Their set, capped with a welcoming toast, celebrated music, poetry, and friendship, enveloping the audience in warmth.
The final performance saw author and actor Rino Soria join actress Carla Schember in Partenope, a mesmerizing blend of prose, music, and dance telling the history of Naples from the past into modern times.
The Official Neapolitan Experience
On April 8, Napulitanamente transformed Arca’s Teatro into a vibrant hub of Neapolitan culture. The exhibition, featuring master ceramist Michele De Chiara’s prestigious creations and Antonio Conte’s luminous paintings, captivated gallerists and art lovers alike. The evening was enriched by the crisp, authentic taste by Kbirr beer, a sponsor whose craft brew sparked conversations and embodied Neapolitan pride.
The program opened with the release of Napulitanamente’s tenth issue, a milestone celebrated with a trio of short films. El Tango del Diez, directed by Tullio Imperatore, touched hearts with its stirring narrative and the exquisite music of pianist Alberto Pizzo, a beacon of Italian excellence. Oltre l’Amore, an emotional short film by Mimmo Fontanella and directed by Antonio Centomani, told the tragic story of a young drone pilot’s death, capturing the raw emotions of his grieving parents. The teaser for Rragù, also by Fontanella, promised a cinematic exploration of family, identity, and love, transcending Neapolitan culinary tradition. We’re all waiting for the shooting to happens.
Actress Maria Rosaria Cafiero, winner of the 2021 Troisi Award for “Best Comic Actor,” electrified the crowd with‘ O Pparlà, written by Pippo Cangiano. Her monologue was delivered better than a rap piece, a lyrical sub-rap, which had both rhythm and meaning, lefting the audience in a state of euphoria. Michele De Chiara played Pulcinella, remembered as an iconic Neapolitan figure, during a soulful performance that gathered the spirit provoking both tears and applause.
Given its resounding success at the pre-event at Piccola Galleria Resistente, Partenope by Rino Soria and Carla Schember was reprised in this date. Its poetic storytelling drawing whispers of interest from Hollywood, a testament to its universal appeal.
Napulitanamente honored author Enrico Fagnano and creative director Vincenzo Notaro of Officina Mirabilis with exquisite works by De Chiara, recognizing their tireless promotion of Neapolitan culture. The evening was guided by the charismatic host Andrea Costanza, whose charm enchanted audiences in both Naples and Tropea.
The audience’s passion spilled over as a joyful celebration of their cultural roots that underscored the event’s communal spirit.
The Tropean Final
The grand finale unfolded on April 15 at the elegant Tropis Hotel & Wellness Center, perched on the “Olympus” of Tropea’s Costa degli Dei. The Napulitanamente staff and artists were greeted with unparalleled hospitality by hotel director Ugo Mazza with the entire staff, and owners Domenica Mamone and Francesca Mamone, whose support for local talent elevated the event to extraordinary heights. Guests savored Musaba in Terra del Sud, a masterful punch crafted by Francesco Mazzitelli of Madison Café Tropea using Calabrian ingredients, PLAMB, Vecchio Amaro del Capo Red Hot Edition, and Ginberg, setting a festive tone.
The exhibition, curated by Napulitanamente and animated by funny Friulian artist Paolo Di Marco, showcased Calabria’s rich heritage through olive wood, stone, iron, ceramics, bamboo. Works by Antonio Giannini (olive wood), Giuseppe Giannini (stone), Antonio Palamara (wood), Francesco “Ciccio” Massara (iron), and Vanessa Cariati (Raku ceramics) dazzled onlookers. Cariati’s totems, representing the four elements and previously lauded at the Biennale of Perugia, stood as breathtaking testaments to Calabrian craftsmanship.
Photographer Marco Messina, whose analog images have captivated international audiences, presented black-and-white and color photos framed with bamboo and up-cycled materials, offering a sincere ode to Mediterranean heritage. Ljdia Musso, returning from Naples, re-proposed Different but Equal, six black-and-white fashion shots celebrating complementary bodies, a powerful fusion of art and identity, more in line with the stars and strips trend.
The presentation of Napulitanamente’s tenth issue was followed by the screening of an excerpt from Viaggio in Calabria, a documentary by Marco Perri starring Amelia Pensabene. This poetic tale of Calabrian railways, laced with Aeschylus’ Prometheus Bound, moved the audience, with Perri’s mother visibly touched by her son’s amazing work.
Young poet Raffaella Mazza from Rizziconi, Reggio Calabria, was captivated by readings of Firmamento and Goliardia from her book Amore dietro le lenti, published by Leonida.
Napulitanamente honored author and archaeologist Dario Godano and the Tropis Hotel’s represented by Domenica Mamone and Francesca Mamone, with precious works by the maestro De Chiara, for their cultural contributions, a heartfelt nod to Calabria’s champions.
The night escalated with a performance by Massimo Ferrante, a revered Calabrian storyteller and folk music researcher. He encouraged the audience to dance wildly as his strong vocals led them on a musical tour across Campania, Calabria, Apulia, and Lucania, their delight a lively celebration of Southern Italian ancestry.
The festivities continued at Rewind Restaurant and Pizzeria, where owner Antonio La Torre offered a unique buffet of local dishes complemented with superb Calabrian wines. Ferrante reopened his guitar case, filling the night with traditional melodies, a fitting close to an unforgettable event.
The Artistic Network of Napulitanamente
Through the Mediterranean Cocktail of Art II. the artists established critical links between creatives from various fields. In addition to its goal of promoting talents from the Mediterranean area abroad, through Mediterranean Cocktail of Art, as a side project of Napulitanamente also combines networking activities with its mission of uniting different forms of artistic creativity as a collective manifestation of Mediterranean cultural identity. With the release of its tenth issue on the event occasion, the magazine has consolidated its role as an authentic promoter of regional creativity and an attentive documenter.
A Cultural Bridge
Mediterranean Cocktail of Art II was a triumphant celebration of Southern Italian art, creating an artistic connection between Campania and Calabria. Building on the success of its Hollywood debut in 2023, this event brought together visual arts, theater, film, music, and literature, showcasing the region’s distinctive character. The seamless fusion of centuries-old traditions, such as De Chiara’s Pulcinella, and modern works, such as El Tango del Diez and Viaggio in Calabria, created a cohesive intergenerational narrative that had a profound impact. The audiences of Naples and Tropea enthusiastically embraced the celebration of their cultural roots. Behind the scenes, the technical staff of Napulitanamente, Federica Palomba (audio) and Luigi Iavarone (camera), worked tirelessly to contribute to the success of the event. The magnetic presence of presenter Andrea Costanza guided the event, ensuring that every moment shone. Through its exhibitions in the evocative halls of Naples and the coastal magnificence of Tropea, the Napulitanamente team created a cultural catalyst that paid homage to the essence of Southern Italy. This event not only showcased regional treasures, but also consolidated Napulitanamente’s visionary platform for sharing Mediterranean culture with the world, a beacon of authenticity in a globalized era.
Photo Credits:
Photo Courtesy of Tropis Hotel&Wellness Center
Photo Courtesy of Storytime_Explorers
Leave a comment