From 19 May to 29 September 2013

On display at the Museo Civico "Ala Ponzone" Cremona

10 works from artists from fashion and contemporary arts dedicated to Stradivarius

A violin such as that of Stradivarius is not only a musical instrument. It is the prince of instruments. It is made of skill, style and aesthetics. It is fascinating and mysterious. The violins that are created by the luthiers of Cremona, such as those of Stradivarius, are true masterpieces, true works of art. Maximum concentration in the construction process enables technical and stylistic perfection without neglecting the quality of sound or aesthetics.

On the 5th of December 2012, a historical decision was made by Unesco in Paris: the luthierian tradition of Cremona was to be inserted in the representative list as an Intangible World Heritage of Humanity. A great result above all for Cremona and its territory and for its centuries old tradition of violin making. Cremona has acted out of pride for its lutherie tradition, to preserve and pass it down to future generations, and to see it recognised by Unesco not only as a heritage of Italy, but of all of humanity. And they have succeeded.

To celebrate this recognition, the Council of Cremona has organised an extraordinary exhibition in relation to the worlds of fashion and art: “8 Variations for Stradivarius”. The exhibition presents the reconsideration and interpretation of the violin in a great variety of artistic forms. The violin and the image of Stradavarius have been transformed into garments, shoes, jewellery, hats, photography, sofas, meteorites, graphics and sculptures.

Like violin making, the exhibition is tied to the world of creativity, the creations on display are the synthesis between the Stradivarius violin and 8 internationally recognised artists: Alfred Drago Rens (art and graphics), Francesco Ballestrazzi (high fashion hats), Luigi Mariani (internal furnishings and design), Kobi Levi (shoe designer), Paolo Regis (photographer), Roberto Cambi (ceramic artist), Stefano Russo (art and design), Sunghee Kim (fine jewellery). They are all well-established their sectors, and to celebrate the recognition of Unesco, they have participated in this project with great honour and without any compensation. The love and passion Stradivarius had for the violin has touched these artists and has reawakened Italian art and design.

01 April 2013

Sunghee Kim (Exhibition curator)