Mosaico: Italian Code of a Timeless Art Exhibition Opens in Hanoi
Hanoi, Vietnam – The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is currently hosting the multimedia exhibition “Mosaico: Italian Code of a Timeless Art,” which marks the beginning of its tour across various Asian countries to showcase traditional Italian art. Sponsored by Magister Art, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the Italian Embassy in Hanoi, the exhibition will remain open to the public until April 7, 2024.
A Timeless Journey Through Mosaic Art
“Mosaico” invites visitors to embark on a captivating journey through over 2,000 years of Italian mosaic artistry. Designed as a multi-sensory experience, the exhibition allows attendees to explore a wealth of images, symbols, techniques, and materials found within some of Italy’s most renowned mosaics. The exhibition features compelling displays from emblematic sites across Italy, including Rome, Pompeii, Aquileia, Ravenna, Palermo, Piazza Armerina, and Baia.
The exhibition is organized into six distinct zones, each corresponding to one of the six renowned regions of Italy.
Zone 1: Rome and Pompeii
The first exhibit focuses on Rome and Pompeii, two cities that bear witness to the richness of Italy's historical and artistic past. The Rome section highlights the city’s evolution and urban development across the centuries, with particular emphasis on the advent of Christianity as reflected in the magnificent mosaics found in early basilicas. The Pompeii division showcases a remarkable tile mural illustrating the legendary encounter between Alexander the Great and the Persian Empire.
Zone 2: Aquileia
Aquileia, known for its stunning floor mosaics in the Basilica of St. Mary's Assumption, takes center stage in the second zone. This section highlights the historical significance of religious tolerance, noted in the decree by Emperor Constantine.
Zone 3: Ravenna
Moving on to Ravenna, the exhibition presents mosaics from mausoleums and basilicas characterized by their vibrant colors that impart a serene spiritual atmosphere. The artistry on display in this zone serves as a powerful reminder of the artistic transition during Italy’s early Christian era.
Zone 4: Palermo/Monreale
The fourth zone transports visitors to Palermo and Monreale, where elaborate chapels and churches encapsulate the area’s rich and diverse cultural influences. The breathtaking mosaics convey the unparalleled harmony and complexity of the region’s artistic heritage.
Zone 5: Piazza Armerina
In the fifth zone, attendees can interact with the mosaics of Piazza Armerina, famous for its depiction of everyday life in the ancient Roman Empire, as seen in the exquisite panels found in the ancient Villa Romana del Casale.
Zone 6: Baiae
Finally, the last zone takes visitors underwater to Baiae, an archaeological site of a once-thriving port that now lies submerged, providing insights into Roman leisure and opulence.
Artistic Significance and Visitor Insights
Ambassador Marco Della Seta emphasized the remarkable durability of mosaic art, as many of the pieces showcased in the exhibition have withstood the test of time—some dating back over two millennia. He remarked on the tactile similarities between mosaic techniques and Vietnamese lacquer painting, adding that this exhibition serves as a bridge connecting cultures.
Artist Cristina Gonzalez, who specializes in oils and acrylics, expressed her appreciation for the exhibition, stating that it provides a deeper understanding of mosaic techniques and pertinent themes. With an avid interest in Vietnamese lacquer art, she noted the parallels between this art form and the intricacies of mosaic artistry.
Cultural Context
Mosaic art has its origins traced back to the 3rd millennium BC in Mesopotamia, flourishing in regions like ancient Greece and Rome. In Vietnam, mosaic art is exemplified in well-known works such as the Ceramic Road, a tribute to the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi, as well as the ceramic mosaic murals in Khai Dinh Tomb and various installations from the Chuon Ngo mother-of-pearl mosaic craft village in Phu Xuyen, Hanoi.
As the “Mosaico” exhibition continues to inspire and educate in Hanoi, it stands as a testimony to the enduring beauty and significance of mosaic art, showcasing the rich cultural history it carries for both Italy and Vietnam.
