Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic

05/19/2022 | News release | Distributed by Public on 05/19/2022 09:03

The “Jodice/Canova” exhibition arrives in Hong Kong

2022 is the Year of Culture and Italian-Chinese Tourism A decision made two years ago to mark the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and postponed due to the pandemic. However, 2022 also marks the 200th anniversary of the death of Italian neoclassical sculptor Antonio Canova (1757 - 1822), and to mark the occasion, the Italian Cultural Institute of Hong Kong and Novalis Art Design have organised - from 12 to 28 May 2022 - the "Jodice/Canova" travelling exhibition which has already made a number of stops in Bassano del Grappa, Milano, Arezzo, Mexico City and San Marino.

"Jodice/Canova" creates a dialogue between two Italian artists from different times: Canova, one of the leading European Neoclassical sculptors, and Mimmo Jodice, one of the main interpreters of contemporary Italian and international photography.

Jodice interprets 17 Canova sculptures through 52 photographs. He seeks an instinctive connection with Canova, his vision, and his creative process and by getting up close to the sculptures, revives the natural body to highlight the softness of the flesh and bring it back to life. Canova strove to realise the absolute idea of beauty in his work, conceived in accordance with the neoclassical principles of pure form and devoid of any type of passion, agony or excess.

The works of Jodice and Canova truly become a duo in the photographs, and a reflection of two great artists who, together, crystallise the ability of art to be eternally emotional.