
A bridge between past and present through art
On February 11, 2025, at 4:00 PM, the solo exhibition of Paolo Terdich, entitled “Exodus, never forget”, will be inaugurated at the Cenacolo Hall of Palazzo Valdina, Chamber of Deputies, in Rome. The exhibition, promoted by Lorenzo Fontana, President of the Chamber of Deputies, and curated by the Paolo Salvati Archive, is part of the Remembrance Day celebrations, honoring the victims of the foibe massacres and the Julian-Dalmatian exodus.
Art as historical memory
Through 23 paintings, Terdich captures the trauma of exile and loss, transforming painting into a tool for historical reflection. His works, characterized by sketched figures and a blend of realism and metaphysical elements, evoke the feelings of pain, uncertainty, and hope experienced by those forced to flee their homeland. A recurring theme in his art is the depiction of hands, symbolizing humanity’s struggle to hold onto memory and identity.
The importance of remembrance and awareness
During the presentation, Lorenzo Fontana emphasized the significance of keeping historical memory alive:
“The foibe massacres and the Julian-Dalmatian exodus represent a painful and complex chapter of our history. Remembering these events means giving voice to those who suffered and fostering a broader historical awareness. Paolo Terdich’s art takes us on an emotional journey, restoring dignity to these long-forgotten stories.”
The exhibition serves not only as a tribute to the victims but also as a warning for future generations: only through knowledge and dialogue can we build a society based on respect and human dignity.
An evocative style between realism and metaphysics
Terdich’s paintings explore the theme of exile through the use of textured surfaces and striking color contrasts. One of the most compelling works, “The portrait of the refugee”, portrays a deeply emotional face, lined with suffering, set against a dark and dramatic background. His technique, combining spatula work and neutral tones, creates a sense of isolation and uncertainty, reflecting the emotional turmoil of the exiles.
Paolo Terdich: an artist between memory and experimentation
Born in Piacenza in 1960, Paolo Terdich has exhibited worldwide, from Paris to New York, Berlin, and the Venice Biennale. Since 2023, he has dedicated his artistic research to the memory of the foibe massacres and the Julian-Dalmatian exodus, using new expressive techniques to bring this historical narrative to the international stage.
Exhibition details
The exhibition will be open to the public from February 11 to 21, 2025, with free admission, Monday to Friday from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM (last entry at 7:00 PM). The vernissage will take place on February 11 at 4:00 PM, with access allowed until 3:45 PM (jacket required for gentlemen).
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