Do As The Locals Do: Upcoming Piemonte Events
Do As The Locals Do: Upcoming Piemonte Events
Do as the locals do by enjoying two of Piemonte’s upcoming regional events:
OSVALDO LICINI: MASTERPIECES
Location: La Galleria Civica d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea Torino (GAM)
Dates: October 24th, 2010 thru January 30th, 2011
Why You Should Go: Born in 1894, Osvaldo Licini was one of the first Italian abstract artists to reach international prominence. Born in Ascoli Piceno in the Le Marche region of Italy, Osvaldo went on to study at the University of Bologna’s Academy of Arts where he was inspired by the works of Matisse. After only one year of study, he left to fight in the first World War where he would sustain a grave injury to his leg. While recovering in Italy he met and began a relationship with Beatrice Muller, a Red Cross nurse with whom he would later have a son. Soon after his recovery, Osvaldo departed for the vibrant art scene of Paris where he would befriend an artist and fellow countryman, Modigliani. Licini’s work can be categorized into three phases beginning with his figurativo paintings, followed by his Abstract phase, and developing into his Ultra-Abstract works of the late 1940’s. One of Italy’s most important Contemporary artists, the exhibit will showcase some of Licini’s most acclaimed masterpieces including his Amalasunta collection and Marina. While exploring the life and art of Octavio Licini, you will also be able to admire and appreciate why museums like the GAM have led to Turin’s prestigious reputation as the vanguard of Modern and Contemporary art in Italy. The GAM features over 45,000 paintings, sculptures, installations and photographs, as well as one of Europe’s most important film collections. The museum’s collection also includes important pieces by Italian artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as “Poor Art” from post World War II and master works by international artists such as Paul Klee and Max Ernst.
80TH ANNUAL ALBA WHITE TRUFFLE FESTIVAL
Location: Alba and the surrounding area
Dates: October 2nd, 2010 thru November 14th, 2010
Why You Should Go: Truffle hunters and chefs from all over the world will gather for the 80th annual Alba White Truffle festival in honor of the prestigious, rare and delicious earthly nugget. Daily events take place throughout the city’s piazzas and streets in an aim to celebrate local products, wines and the best regional truffles. The festival’s events culminate on December 8th when the White Truffle Awards are held at the Castello di Grinzane, a 16th century castle that now houses the regional Enoteca of Cuneo showcasing the area’s finest Barolos and Barbarescos. An international line-up of acclaimed chefs and truffle experts will gather to examine over 60 specimens of truffle, with the real star of the party being Alba’s rare white truffle, considered to be the best in the world. Chefs let their imaginations run wild as they prepare dishes featuring the star ingredient in the hopes of winning the grand prize.
