SPAZIO ILISSO is an exhibition centre for artistic and cultural production and promotion. It was opened in December 2019 following an initiative by the Ilisso publishing house, with a desire to share 35-years’ experience in research, editorial achievements and art exhibitions.
As well as providing consultation of the Archivi di Arti Applicate, the evocative complex is home to the Museo della Scultura del Novecento Sardo, a permanent collection of sculptures and ceramics which takes up the entire ground floor and two gardens. The upper floors are set aside for temporary exhibitions. The exhibition itinerary offers an innovative way to discover Sardinian art through almost 100 works by the island’s best artists. It outlines the history of Sardinian sculpture in the twentieth century which starts with Francesco Ciusa, continuing with artists who have made their mark on the XX century, like Salvatore Fancello, Costantino Nivola, Eugenio Tavolara, Gavino Tilocca, right up to Maria Lai and Pinuccio Sciola.
Setting up a collection in a building designed as a home derives from the need to preserve a “homely” atmosphere which allows the art to be brought to an everyday level, in welcoming and familiar surroundings, without losing its cultural and educational purpose. SPAZIO ILISSO was created with a new concept of museum surroundings which itself becomes the subject of usage. It is not just a container of works of art but also a meeting place, with extensive gardens always open to the public, where the sculptures interact with the pre-existing natural essences. Furthermore, the gardens host theatre and dance performances and book presentations.
