Silenzi eloquenti (Eloquent silences)
06.05.2025
On May 19 at 11 AM, at the Beato Pellegrino Library of the University of Padua, the new contemporary art collection “Eloquent Silences” will be inaugurated. The collection is dedicated to female artistic production.
The project, made possible thanks to the support of the Contemporary Art Plan - PAC2024, under the General Directorate for Contemporary Creativity of the Italian Ministry of Culture, identifies the libraries of the University of Padua as venues for the promotion and preservation of artworks. It establishes a widespread female art collection within the university libraries, featuring works by female artists who have reflected on and addressed gender-based violence and inequality.
The involvement of libraries aims to challenge the idea of knowledge as neutral and universal, sparking critical reflection within the very places entrusted with the transmission and preservation of culture and the canon. Four Unipd libraries are involved, each hosting a different artwork:
- The Beato Pellegrino Library, with Mirror n. 12 by Silvia Giambrone;
- The Central Engineering Library, with Struttura simbolica (L’Ovo di Gubbio) by Mirella Bentivoglio;
- The Central Psychology Library, with La scrittura del silenzio by Mirella Bentivoglio;
- The Information Engineering Library in Someda, with Analisi semiologica - La "fattura" per non pensare, a work by Mirella Bentivoglio donated by her heirs in memory of Giulia Cecchettin.
The inauguration of the collection is part of the conference “Eloquent Silences: A Day for Presenting New Acquisitions to the University’s Contemporary Art Heritage,” held on the same day at Palazzo Maldura in Padua, starting at 9:15 AM, on May 19.
During the conference, the project curated by Guido Bartorelli and Greta Boldorini will be presented, with the participation of Silvia Giambrone and the heirs of Mirella Bentivoglio, alongside several scholars. The afternoon session, held at the Psico2 building of the School of Psychology, will focus on the rich contemporary art heritage of the University of Padua.
The event also includes free, continuously running guided tours of the artworks from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, open to conference attendees and all interested visitors. The tour will also feature thematic bibliographic exhibitions set up at the various locations.
Participation is subject to registration.
