Guest writer: Nicola Rossi

It’s not so usual today to open a great public space for art. But this incredible challenge has been won by Italian artist and curator Pasquale Martini and all his collaborators. The new Permanent Collection of Contemporary Art, located in the enchanting undergrounds of Palazzo Gasparini (a XVII Century palace), officially opened in Mercatello sul Metauro, a fascinating medieval and Renaissance town in Marche region (Pesaro Urbino, Italy). The Permanet Collection – displayed in a beautiful and magical space which was completely restored – opened as a completion of St. Francis Museum of Ancient Art.

The permanent exhibition presents 158 works including 32 sculptures and 126 paintings by established national and international artists. All this  was made possible thanks to enthusiasm, passion and tenacity of artist and sculptor Pasquale Martini who has involved in the ambitious and prestigious project, the mayor of Mercatello, Giovanni Pistola, with the Municipal Administration, the local tourism association (Pro Loco) and the whole community. The official catalogue has been entirely published with the contribution and sponsorship of Banca dell’Adriatico.

In a really special room – as you may see in this photo-gallery – has been also displayed the work created by Roberto Alborghetti for his “Lacer/actions” project concerning the research about images of torn and decomposed publicity posters and urban tokens. The piece is titled “There ‘s some chaos, with a focal point” (canvas, 63 x 43). The realistic and not manipulated image was “captured” in Milan during a cloudy day on December 2010.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF BARBARA SCHLICHTE