Cyprea. Aphrodite's network

The international exhibition of great cultural and artistic importance Cyprea: Aphrodite's network opens at the Colosseum archaeological Park - in the rooms of the Roman Forum Museum - which connects contemporary art with archaeology, celebrating the figure of the goddess Aphrodite and her ancient historical-cultural link between Italy and the island of Cyprus. The exhibition, curated by Prof. Giorgio Calcara and with the artistic direction of Stefania Pennacchio, sees the participation of eight contemporary artists: Stefania Pennacchio, Nicola Verlato, Rosa Mundi, Gabriels dall'Italia, Vassilis Vassiliades, Panikos Tembriotis, Eleni Kindini, Lefteris Tapas from Cyprus.

The title of the exhibition brings to mind the Cypraea shell, symbol of the goddess, divinity of beauty, love and fertility in the Greek pantheon, with roots that sink into the ancient religion of Mesopotamia and the Phoenician cults, recalling the deep links between the Mediterranean Sea and the mythological figure of Aphrodite. In fact, legend has it that the Hellenic goddess was born from the foam of the sea near Cyprus, and consequently, this very island, a crossroads of cultural and commercial influences between East and West, was elected a primary place of worship for Aphrodite: her cult reflects the importance of the island as a cultural centre and strategic node in the Mediterranean. Furthermore, the myth of Aphrodite is linked to the Greek concept of kalokagathia, the central theme of the exhibition, which unites the ideal of beauty (kalos) with that of goodness and moral excellence (agathos). This very relevant concept, born in classical Greek culture, has persisted over the centuries, influencing the philosophy, art and morality of ancient Greece up to the present day.

The innovative aspect of the exhibition lies in the encounter between contemporary art and archaeology: the entire itinerary is in fact articulated in a dialogue between ancient iconographies and modern interpretations of the myth of Aphrodite. The intent is to explore how the aesthetic and moral values ​​embodied by this divinity influenced not only the ancient world, but also contemporary visual culture. The exhibiting artists, both Italian and Cypriot, have been selected for their ability to explore, through various mediums, themes such as love, beauty and fertility, with an approach that intertwines classical artistic tradition with modern sensibility.

The exhibition therefore aims to underline the historical and cultural dimension of the Mediterranean, proposing a reflection on how classical values ​​and aesthetics can be reinterpreted from the perspective of contemporary art. Combining the past with the present, the exhibition represents a celebration of the beauty and universal moral values ​​that unite humanity over time, as well as an invitation to reflect on cultural continuity and the centrality of myth even in contemporary society.

Photo credits: Panikos Tembriotis, Remix of charm and politics, 2016