Commission 12 young Italian artists to create works of art inspired by a contemporary novel: this was the ambitious aim of the BOOK ART PROJECT held in January in the magnificent setting of the Hotel Baglioni in London.
This unique artistic project saw 12 emerging and established Italian artists create works inspired by reading Chiara Cecilia Santamaria's novel "Da qualche parte nel mondo" (Somewhere in the world) (Rizzoli).
Curated by Susanna Bianchini/sybinq, the BOOK ART PROJECT stopped off in London following a first highly successful exhibition at the Spazio Cerere in Rome.
The twelve artists used their experience and diverse styles to create a varied visual experience with a great narrative drive which, like the novel, winds along an introspective path of growth and self-discovery.
Their works depict the story of the protagonist Lara who, despite her difficult past marked by a dysfunctional family, leaves Rome for London to realise her talents as a painter.
In this respect, a location steeped in Italian tradition in the heart of London like the Hotel Baglioni, is a perfect representation of the Italy/UK duality theme running through the book.
100 guests attended the opening evening on 15th January, including the Italian Consul General Massimiliano Mazzanti, confirming the Hotel Baglioni as a little corner of Italy in London, where innovation and the traditions of Italy combine and are enhanced to best effect.
The entire project also brought some great benefits: the artists' works are available to buy, and all the proceeds will be donated to Doctors Without Borders to help people fleeing from war zones, natural disasters, epidemics and famines.
Chiara Cecilia Santamaria is an Italian blogger and writer living in London. She is the author of machedavvero.it since 2008, her personal lifestyle, family and travel blog. The blog inspired her first book "Quello che le mamme non dicono" (What mums don't tell you), published by Rizzoli and now a bestseller in its 10th edition. Rizzoli also published her novel "Da qualche parte nel mondo" (Somewhere in the world).
Concierge tip: Are you an art lover? Then the Baglioni Hotel London offers the perfect location opposite Kensington Gardens and is just a short walk from the world-famous V&A Museum where you can enjoy Botticelli Reimagined until July 3rd 2016.