May, 2024
Our second stop in our first Bologna road trip was Dozza, a beautiful hilltop village just outside Bologna. Its claim to fame is murals that decorate the houses and shops of the two streets that make up the village. It was a much needed revitalization of a dwindling medieval village.
Dozza
In 1960, watching the younger generation leave in search of action and modernity, and historic buildings decline through lack of interest, designer/art promoter Dino Gavina and artist/art critic Antonio Rinaldi hatched a plan! Bring art out of the museums to make it more accessible, blend modern with the old and take art beyond decoration and into the cityscape.
These two visionaries invited contemporary artists to come paint directly on the exterior walls of the buildings. It was such a success that it turned into a biennial event, now heading into its 29th round with some 200 murals on the walls, staircases and various nooks and crannies in the village.
It was a win-win: historic buildings were preserved in a creative way; art became more accessible to everyone; and tourism increased, giving a reason for the youth to stay and build a life here.
A beautiful rest stop on someone’s stoop. Everyone is welcome!
I wonder who this guy is running away from…the barber?
A bit of wisdom from those who came before.
A perfect day with perfect friends!
A view into upstairs, as though the walls are made of glass.
This one is called Nature Morte…the most literal Nature Morte I’ve seen.
I love how some of the artists make use of the doorways in their work.
Is this better protection than a dog?
We are in the land of Lambrusco!