Matèria is pleased to present Luci di via, a project curated by Giuliana Benassi with the participation of artist duo Genuardi/Ruta. With Luci di via, Matèria extends its exhibition space along the external perimeter of the gallery with luminous works.

The title chosen derives from nautical terminology and refers to the light points used by a vessel, not for its own visibility, but to facilitate the visibility of one’s own unit to others. With this subtle metaphor, evoking the desire to signal one’s identity beyond the boundaries of the internal space, Matèria presents a project that aims to engage with the public space along the streets of San Lorenzo, through the act of seeing.

Luci di via opens with an intervention by Genuardi/Ruta: a site-specific work that unfolds in five luminous sculptures that - just like the public lights of the pub that preceded the gallery - follow the perimeter of the distinctive space, alternating chromatic and formal elements. The artistic practice of Genuardi/Ruta, one that has always focused on light as a creator of designs and projections within a space, is manifested in these works as a tautology of the light-shadow mechanism.

These lights are designed for both day and night: resembling convex sails, each work is characterized by a color and a vegetative carving. During the day, sunlight creates shadow plays with the sculptures, projecting the shapes of natural motifs; at night, electric light radiates from within, highlighting the figurative carvings.