MAiDE Art Gallery is a contemporary art gallery founded by the founding members of the Jewish Museum of Lecce to provide space for art and tradition. Since its inauguration in March 2022, the gallery has hosted a series of workshops and works by international artists of Jewish and non-Jewish culture. After the exhibition of artist Adi Kichelmacher and, subsequently, Roberto Tondi's photographic exhibition, the art gallery in collaboration with the Jewish Museum of Lecce inaugurated the new exhibition on Lecce limestone: LECCE’S LIMESTONE HERITAGE AND MORE.

The exhibition aims to celebrate the cultural and artistic heritage of Lecce stone through installations that illustrate its importance and diversity. A fascinating journey through the shapes and colours of this extraordinary stone, through the history of quarries and quarrymen, the art of cutting and using stone in medieval construction sites, the Golden Caves of Gallipoli's carparo and the crucial role played by the spring waters that not only shaped the native stone and gave it its unique characteristics, but also played a fundamental role in the history of the medieval Jewish community. These waters, in fact, were essential for the rites of purification of the body in the mikveh, the Jewish ritual bath, symbolising purity and spiritual regeneration. The correlation between spring waters and Lecce stone offers a fascinating perspective on the symbiosis between nature and culture.

This educational experience aims to enrich the understanding of the local historical and artistic heritage, providing an in-depth look at craft techniques and the religious history of the area.

The gallery offers the opportunity to participate in workshops on working with Lecce limestone and a giftshop area where you can buy the works of the artists in the gallery and numerous gadgets inspired by the collections.

For more information, follow the updates on our website or visit us at the Jewish Museum of Lecce in Via Umberto I, 9.

NEWS AND EVENTS

SENTIERI DI LIBERTÀ

November 17th, 2024 – MAiDE Art Gallery

The MAiDE Art Gallery, in collaboration with the Jewish Museum Lecce, presents the event Sentieri di libertà, which will be held on Sunday 17th November 2024 starting from 11:30. The gallery will host an exhibition of works in Lecce stone by local sculptor Marco Maschio. The material used, known for its beauty and versatility, has played a crucial role in the history of local architecture and craftsmanship, and continues to be a symbol of the cultural identity of Lecce and Salento. The installations set up will be a fascinating journey through shapes, colours and stories and will highlight the importance and diversity of this extraordinary material, highlighting its lasting impact on the culture and art of our region.

Among Maschio's creations, one work in particular, entitled "Pigmalione", stands out for its ability to explore the beauty and complexity of the female experience, offering a touching and engaging look at a topic of great contemporary relevance. The work refers to the famous and eponymous myth of the Metamorfosi by Ovid, a reflection on man's contemplation of woman. The hand, in fact, does not clasp but delicately lifts the woman's body, fragmented and unfortunately very often disfigured. The hand is that of a contemporary Pygmalion who does not dwell on woman as a ‘body’, but desires for her an animated life, full of dignity and lived in complete freedom.

The event will be enriched by the participation of Eleonora Carbone, who, with her musical performance on the harp, will contribute to creating an evocative and engaging atmosphere. Her music will blend harmoniously with the works on display, creating a multi-sensory experience in which art and sound intertwine, offering the public a moment of reflection and contemplation.

This event is funded by the Regional Council of Puglia within the framework of the Notice "Futura. La Puglia per la parità - 2° ed.", to promote the activation of cultural projects aimed at raising awareness on the issue of gender equality. Under the patronage of: Puglia Region, Province of Lecce, Municipality of Lecce. In collaboration with: Infotab tours, Lecceventi, Loft Music School.

Free entrance, reservation required.

MAiDE Art Gallery

Piazzetta G. Riccardi, 3 – 73100 Lecce

Tel. and WhatsApp: +39 389 436 3823

Email: info@maidegallery.com