The meetings at La casa degli Artisti in Gallipoli, a treasure trove of art and culture in the heart of Salento, continue in February. Following the conclusion on January 11th of the alienist exhibition "Peace and Love," with painter and sculptor Giorgio De Cesario as the artistic director and curator, there will be a presentation of a mystery novel: "Il tempo trafitto" by Ilaria Ferramosca. This event is part of the Alienist Movement’s event lineup, of which De Cesario is the founder and driving force, along with his wife, Professor Maria Cristina Maritati, both hosts at the house-museum where the artist's Permanent Gallery is located.
The novel won the first edition of the "Giallo e Nero di Puglia" prize for unpublished works, coordinated by Regina Cesta and organized by the Municipality of Brindisi in collaboration with the publishing house Giunti, which published it. Although containing the stylistic elements typical of the genre narrative that defines it, the book addresses various social issues: starting with disability, mental distress, gender violence, and violence against minors. The main setting is a small town in Salento, Porto Ionico, the scene of a heinous crime with the young Renato as the main suspect. He is nicknamed "Magritte" for his innate drawing skills, which, however, are rendered surreal in expression due to a cognitive delay from which he suffers. The story's protagonist is the defense’s investigative consultant, Agopar, who, along with psychologist Eliana Fiore, is engaged in the arduous task of gathering evidence to exonerate the young accused. In their investigative activities, the two sometimes clash with the subculture of prejudice, omertà, and clientelism, which still pervade certain social strata in our region. All this unfolds within the magical setting of a lively province in Lecce, depicted in its most artistically renowned locations, with its typical specialties and peculiarities of the vernacular language.
Writer Ilaria Ferramosca is making her debut as a novelist but is already well-known within the Italian and international cultural landscapes as a screenwriter of graphic novels with social or biographical themes, translated into several languages, and with which she has won numerous awards in the comic world and beyond. She also organizes seminars and round tables on screenwriting at national comic schools, Italian and foreign universities, and international fairs such as "Le Festival de la Bande Dessinée" in Montreal, Canada.
Engaging in dialogue with the author is Luana Prontera, a journalist for Quotidiano di Puglia and the web magazine "Articolo21," as well as an expert in communication, jurist, and legal consultant. Musical interludes are provided by guitarist Giuseppe Ashram, who will perform a selection of specially chosen pieces. The event is organized in collaboration with the Giunti al Punto bookstore in Gallipoli, which will handle the book sales.
Thanks also to CittadinanzAttiva, Gallipoli assembly, and the Circolo La Fenice.
Free admission, therefore, on Saturday, February 8th, at 6:00 PM, at LA CASA DEGLI ARTISTI artist residence, via Lepanto 1, Gallipoli (LE). Tel. 0833 261865 – 3332720348.
Web:
www.lacasadegliartisti.it