Saturday, October 17, 2020

Preview evening of Figure per Gianni Rodari - Illustrators for Gianni Rodari in Auckland

The Illustrators for Gianni Rodari exhibition is now on in Auckland. 

From today, 17 October, until Sunday 25 September, drop in between 10.00 a.m. and 4 p.m. you can read more about this exhibition in the website of Regione Emilia Romagna by clicking here, (and also here in the Italian language).

The Dante team joined a preview event last night, along with guests from the local Italian and publishing communities, plus Waitematā Local Board and Newmarket Business Association representatives.

Dante Auckland members, from left: Cav. Alessandra Zecchini, Flavia Berucci, Sir John Kirwan, Matteo Telara, Barbara Martelli, Cav. Sandra Fresia, Valeria Santillo, Luca Manghi.

Brought together to mark the centenary of the birth of the great Italian children's writer Gianni Rodari, the exhibition showcases illustrations from 21 leading artists who have illustrated his books. The Exhibition is organised internationally by: Fiera di Bologna, BCBF, Regione E-R, Regione E-R Cultura d’Europa, Einaudi Ragazzi, Vivere all’Italiana (MAECI).

Auckland edition is curated by Nicoletta Benella and organised by Dante Alighieri Society Auckland and Festival Italiano Auckland in collaboration with the Italian Embassy in New Zealand, Oratia Books, Newmarket Business Association. and is part of the Artweek Auckland 2020 Programme, the Italian Festival Season in Auckland, and celebrates the XX edition of the Italian Language Week in the World.

 

Dante members delighted to rediscover Rodari's books 

Featured artists: Bruno Munari, Emanuele Luzzati, Altan, Beatrice Alemagna, Gaia Stella, Olimpia Zagnoli, Manuel Fior, Alessandro Sanna, Valerio Vitali, Simona Mulazzani, Chiara Armellini, Anna Laura Cantone, Fulvio Testa, Maria Chiara Di Giorgio, Giulia Orecchia, Nicoletta Costa, Federico Maggioni, Francesca Ghermandi, Pia Valentinis, Vittoria Facchini, Elenia Beretta.

 

The Oratia crew with Lindsey Jones (third from right), Honorary Consul for Italy, Auckland. From left: Belinda Cooke (sales & marketing consultant), Frances Chan (editor), Peter Dowling (publisher), Alessandra Zecchini (media director), Lindsey Jones, Carolyn Lagahetau (editorial director), Ross Kinnaird (illustrator)
The Oratia Books crew, one of the local sponsors, with Lindsey Jones (third from right), Honorary Consul for Italy, Auckland. From left: Belinda Cooke, Frances Chan, Peter Dowling, Alessandra Zecchini, Lindsey Jones, Carolyn Lagahetau, Ross Kinnaird

Of course we had Italian food to nibble on: piadina, arancini and...


.... cannoli, from Nonna in Teed St, Newmarket

Congratulations to exhibition curator Nicoletta Benella, and all who have made the exhibition possible.

Tomorrow morning (18 October) at 9.30 a.m., Nicoletta will join Professor Bruno Ferraro in a discussion about Rodari's life and work, and the artists who have accompanied him. Free entry.


Photos by Gianni Flego