"SILENZIO...ASCOLTA" la mostra d’arte di Francesco Schiavulli nella chiesa di San Martino di Bari

"Silence...listen" is the evocative title of the solo exhibition by the Bari artist Francesco Schiavulli, curated by Nicola Cortone and promoted by Aps Martinus, which will be displayed in the ancient Church of San Martino in Bari Vecchia (Strada Bianchi Dottula 4) from December 4, 2025, to January 4, 2026.

"Increasingly rarely in our cities, in our squares, do we hear exclamations like 'Oh!' and 'Wow!': very brief sounds, yet fascinating and evocative. They allude to magnificence, splendor, wonder, gratitude, with extreme conciseness: they 'tell stories'. How wonderful to listen! Listen and listen again... without speaking. Now let's be silent, close our eyes, dream, welcome, and listen," reads the descriptive panels of the exhibition signed by Schiavulli himself.

The artistic installation represents a utopian square in the shape of a giant ear, enriched by depictions of turtles and snails (praising calmness and meditation), the three spheres in the palm of St. Nicholas's hand (a hymn to generosity, hope, and peace), and three books (a song of self-acceptance and acceptance of others). "Silence...listen" invites a deep and authentic listening experience, starting from the choice of San Martino Church as the exhibition venue: an ancient place of worship steeped in memory and sanctity. After decades of neglect, it is at the center of a significant restoration and repurposing effort, once again "speaking" through art, reconnecting with a community rediscovering its roots and history to recover and pass on to future generations. The exhibition, moreover, perfectly harmonizes with the December festivities dedicated to St. Nicholas, a saint embodying the principles of dialogue, tolerance, and acceptance, becoming a symbolic call to return to the essence of life: a moment when hatred, pride, and selfishness dissolve, giving way to true Love, closeness, and dialogue with others. Schiavulli's artistic exhibition is an invitation to remain silent and listen so that indifference dissolves for a new and better world compared to the current one.

The exhibition's opening will take place on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Corte Bianchi Dottula (Strada dei Dottula 10, Bari Vecchia) with the participation of the authors and organizers.

Opening hours:
Fri. Sat. 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sun. 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Special openings:
Mon. Tue. Dec 22-23 and 29-30 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Weekend closure:
Dec 26-27-28, 2025

Entry with free contribution
Francesco Schiavulli (Bari, 1963) is an internationally recognized artist. His research stemmed from theater and dance with the choreographer Maurice Béjart. He dedicates himself to studying the body in visual arts and has always shown a keen engagement with social themes. He delves into an obsessive exploration of the body through its details and, through multimedia projects, investigates human identity and emotions, seeking to establish other rhythms and perceptions. In 2008, Apulia Film Commission produced his artistic short film "La passerella": a metaphor, an alternative urban path for the Bari seafront, in a visionary barefoot walk on the sea. He has collaborated with art critics including Achille Bonito Oliva and Vittorio Sgarbi and has participated in numerous art exhibitions, including: 2010 – "From above, down in the moat" (Castello Svevo in Bari), 2011 – "Pino Pascali, return to Venice" (Venice Art Biennale), 2021 – SOLO Exhibition (Castle of Barletta – Palazzo De Nittis), 2022 – APULIA (Institute of Culture in Paris).
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