by InTrieste
As part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing its artistic heritage and fostering closer ties with the local community, the University of Trieste is proud to present “Art Relations,” an ambitious project marking the university’s centennial. This initiative, organized in collaboration with SmaTS (University Museum System) and ERPAC (Regional Authority for Cultural Heritage of Friuli Venezia Giulia), features two unprecedented exhibitions by renowned artists Serse Roma and Manuela Sedmach, running until September 15.
Beginning on June 18, the exhibition “Serse. The Ambiguities of Representation” will display six of Serse Roma’s graphite drawings in the central building of the University of Trieste at Piazzale Europa 1. Known for his meticulous graphite work, Serse Roma captures the essence of still life and dynamic continuity, exploring themes of natural elements through an exacting technique. Art critic Alessandro Del Puppo praises Roma’s unique ability to infuse even the most stable configurations with dynamic life, highlighting the artist’s dedication to the medium of drawing.
Across town at the Department of Humanities on Via del Lazzaretto Vecchio, “Manuela Sedmach. Beneath the Chromatic Substance, within the Interstice of Painting” will showcase approximately twenty of Sedmach’s paintings. The exhibition aims to place her work in dialogue with the cultural heritage preserved in the Library of the Archive of Writers and Regional Culture. Art critic Andrea Del Guercio emphasizes Sedmach’s deliberate choice to situate her paintings among “written memories,” creating a visual narrative that invites viewers to engage with the works on multiple levels.
Serse Roma: Master of Graphite
Born in San Polo di Piave in 1952, Serse Roma has lived and worked in Trieste since 1980. Exclusively dedicated to graphite on paper, Roma’s work has garnered international recognition, including inclusion in the prestigious volume “Vitamin D, New Perspectives in Drawing” by Phaidon Press and participation in major exhibitions such as “Pastels from the 16th to the 21st Century” at the Fondation de l’Hermitage in Lausanne.
Roma’s art transcends traditional drawing, creating complete and intricate representations solely through graphite. His landscapes—seas, cloudy skies, towering mountains, and snowy forests—offer a profound exploration of the earth’s sublime, non-human dimensions. Delving into the mineral essence of graphite, Roma’s recent series on diamonds showcases the material’s crystalline perfection, reflecting the fundamental geometries of nature.
Manuela Sedmach: A Painter’s Dialogue with Memory
Manuela Sedmach, born in Trieste in 1953, began exhibiting in the 1970s after studying at the “E. Nordio” State Art Institute. Her career took off in the 1980s with notable exhibitions across Italy and abroad. A significant moment came in 1991 when she participated in Artefiera in Chicago, followed by the prestigious Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant in New York.
Sedmach’s work has been featured in numerous international galleries, including Galleria Continua in San Gimignano, Van Laere in Antwerp, and Schroeder in Cologne. Her installations, such as the underwater “Occhi bianchi” in Trieste’s Ponterosso canal, reflect her innovative approach to space and context. Since moving to Braga, Portugal, in 2020, Sedmach has continued to evolve her practice, integrating the Portuguese atmosphere into her recent works.
The “Art Relations” project will continue beyond these initial exhibitions, featuring future showcases by Antonio Sofianopulo and Elisa Vladilo, further solidifying the University of Trieste’s role as a cultural beacon in the region.
For those seeking to experience the intersection of academic heritage and contemporary art, these exhibitions offer a rare opportunity to witness the dynamic works of two of Italy’s most distinguished artists. The exhibitions are open to the public Monday to Friday, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with free entry.
