Medea, the tragic heroine of Greek mythology, has been the subject of an international contemporary art exhibition curated by renowned art critic Demetrio Paparoni. The exhibition was hosted in the historic Loggia of the Ancient Market of Siracusa, Sicily, from May 5 to September 30, 2023. The event was organized by the Municipal Administration of Siracusa and produced by Aditus.
The exhibition included works by 17 artists from various regions around the world, including Northern Europe, China, the Caucasus, and South-East Asia. These artists explored the complex character of Medea, whose story continues to resonate with audiences today. Through their work, they revealed the depth and richness of the classical tragedy that inspired them.
In addition to the exhibition, the Greek play “Medea” was performed at the nearby Greek Theatre. Directed by Federico Tiezzi, this production brought the timeless tale to life once again. The performance ran from June 29 to July 2, 2023.
To accompany the exhibition, a catalogue was published by Skira, one of Europe’s leading art publishers. The catalogue featured essays by Demetrio Paparoni, Roberto Alajmo, Tiziano Scarpa, and the artists themselves. It also included an extensive iconographic repertoire of past works centered on the myth of Medea, featuring images by Artemisia Gentileschi, Peter Paul Rubens, Charles André van Loo, Eugène Delacroix, Anselm Feuerbach, William Russell Flint, George Romney, Frederick Sandys, Johann Heinrich Füssli, Gustave Moreau, William Turner, Christian Wilhelm Ernest Dietrich, John William Waterhouse, and Paul Cézanne.
Overall, the exhibition and catalogue provided a unique opportunity to explore the enduring legacy of Medea and her impact on the human experience. They showcased the power of art to connect us to our cultural heritage while also inspiring new creations.