Lorena D'Ercole: Goditela / Ortygia, Italy

In this video, we attend the opening reception of Lorena D'Ercole's solo exhibition in Ortygia, Italy. The exhibition, which takes place in an old church in the heart of Ortyiga, features paintings, sculpture, and performance. It's titled “Goditela”, a play on words that includes the english word “God” and the Italian words “godi” (enjoy) and “tela” (canvas).

The artist explains: "Enjoy it" is a word that invites us to live in the moment, to enjoy life with fullness and awareness. But if we look at it more closely, we see that inside "Goditela" there is much more. We find the word "God," which takes us back to something greater, to the search for a higher meaning. Then there is "enjoy," which is a direct invitation to find joy in the small and big things in life. Finally, "canvas" recalls the idea of an artist's canvas, a space where each of us can paint our own story. The exhibition is intended to be an emotional journey through these dimensions. Each work on display will be a reflection on how we live our lives, how we can find beauty even in the most difficult moments, and how we can connect with something bigger than ourselves.

Lorena D'Ercole created the paintings by throwing paint onto the canvas from a height of 7 meters. “In that throw is my strength, my energy, and most of all my confidence in the color that, mixing on the canvas, gave life to shapes and symbols. By surprise. Relying on chance, fate, life, pleasure.”

“I started painting at 45 years old, and even though it initially seemed like a path without prospects, my creative need drove me to continue. Over time, the path became clearer, and opportunities emerged. By following my heart and with persistent effort, I was able to grow. Every canvas I’ve created reflects a part of my soul, projecting it outward.” (Lorena D'Ercole)

The exhibition runs until September 8, 2024. It also features a light installation that designer Angelo Sanzone created specifically for the show.

In an upcoming video, Lorena D'Ercole will guide us through the exhibition.

Lorena D'Ercole: Goditela / Ex Chiesa di Gesù e Maria, Ortygia (Syracuse, Sicily), Italy. Opening Reception, July 7, 2024.