by InTrieste
This Saturday, the striking coastal village of Portopiccolo in Italy’s Friuli Venezia Giulia region will host a celebration of art, tradition, and innovation as it unveils a collection of sculptures shaped by the talents of emerging artists and the storied heritage of Aurisina stone.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of a former limestone quarry transformed into a sleek, modern resort, the event marks the latest chapter of Towards KAMEN, a cross-border contemporary sculpture residency. The project bridges Italian and Slovenian artistic traditions, fostering collaboration between young sculptors, master artisans, and institutions dedicated to preserving and reimagining the legacy of stone craftsmanship.
A Journey Through Time and Culture
Under the banner The Fabulous Journey Into Aurisina Stone: The Era of Change – Karstic Polyphony, the inauguration will take place at 11 a.m. at the Small Sculpture Park and Stone Tunnel in Portopiccolo. The sculptures, inspired by archaic symbols and contemporary themes, represent the work of student sculptors Andraž Švara and Juri Tenze from Slovenia’s Srečko Kosovel Sežana Institute, and Riccardo Bonetto and Zeno Conzato of the Venice Academy of Fine Arts.
With guidance from acclaimed sculptors Edi Carrer and Alberto Fiorin, the students transformed blocks of limestone into evocative works of art, blending youthful imagination with time-honored techniques.
“Inspired by symbols of the past, these pieces connect us to the deep cultural and geological roots of this land,” explains Eva Comuzzi, the project’s curator.
A Community United by Stone
The event underscores the communal spirit of the region, as local artisans and businesses have played a vital role in supporting the young sculptors. “Hosting these talented artists is a true honor for our community,” said Marjanka Ban, Councillor for Culture and Tourism for Duino Aurisina. “Their enthusiasm is infectious, and their work is a testament to the enduring connection between our people and this land.”
This connection is evident in the stones themselves, generously provided by local quarries and carved in workshops that have long been pillars of the region’s economy. Ban also revealed plans to install sculptures from the residencies in Aurisina’s newly renovated San Rocco Square, turning it into an open-air gallery that celebrates the ongoing evolution of this ancient craft.
Art Meets Modernity
Three of the new sculptures will take their place in the Small Sculpture Park, seamlessly integrated into Portopiccolo’s landscape, where the natural beauty of limestone meets sleek contemporary design. A fourth piece, created collaboratively by Zeno Conzato and master sculptor Alberto Fiorin, will be installed in Aurisina’s square, alongside The Sound of Silence, a poignant work by Edi Carrer from the project’s first residency.
“This year’s works are remarkable not only for their artistry but also for how they transform their surroundings,” said Maddalena Giuffrida, head of the stone section for the project. “They breathe new life into spaces where history and modernity collide.”
A Celebration of Creativity
Following the inauguration, attendees are invited to explore Untitled, a solo exhibition by Edi Carrer at the Portopiccolo Art Gallery, and to peruse the newly released catalog The Fabulous Journey Into Stone, featuring photographs by Massimo Goina.
As the sun sets over the Adriatic, the event promises to leave visitors with a profound sense of connection—to the artists, to the stone, and to the enduring legacy of this remarkable region.
