Maria Grazia Brunetti – Arborea Donna Libera Aurea

Exhibition of the large-scale mosaic work: Arborea Donna Libera Aurea, created by Maria Grazia Brunetti in 1976 and recently donated by the artist’s heirs to the Municipality of Ravenna. In 1976, Brunetti exhibited this wall mosaic, comprising six large panels, at the International Mosaic Biennale in Ravenna. The work, which aims to represent the strength of the feminist struggles of the 1970s, is also known as ‘the Sphinx of Ravenna’. It depicts a woman’s face with large, oblique eyes; a central section featuring a slit reminiscent of a mouth wide open in a scream, but also suggesting a vagina; and two spiral mosaic patterns on either side.
The predominant material is glass and gold tesserae, which lend great luminosity to the subject, creating an effect of splendour and overwhelming power.
A hymn to women, to their ancient, piercing eyes and their overwhelming cry.
Curated by: Linda Kniffitz
Restoration by: Luciana Notturni, con la collaborazione di Luca Colomba e Daniele Strada