Chagall exhibit in Naples

(ANSA) - Naples, February 15 - A 'dream room' in which the Russian-French artist Marc Chagall's works surround visitors in an otherworldly atmosphere is part of an exhibition opening in Naples on Friday.
    The exhibition at the Basilica della Pietrasanta - Lapis Museum includes 150 works that tell of the life and feelings of the artist for his beloved wife Bella. Alongside paintings, drawings, watercolors and etchings there is also a group of rare works from private collections that would otherwise be difficult for the public to access. Curated by Dolores Duràn Ucar, the exhibition is a journey into the world of wonders of Chagall (1887-1985), his childhood memories mixed with the Russian tradition of fables and amid poetry, religion and war.
    The works have intense hues that give life to landscapes and fantastic figures on the edge between reality and dreams. The show, which will remain open until June 30, is divided into five sections based on themes dear to Chagall: Childhood and Russian Traditions, Dreams and Fables, The Holy World, The Bible, A Painter with a Poet's Wings, and Gravity-Defying Love. 'Chagall, Sogno d'Amore' ('Chagall, Dream of Love') is being held with support from Fondazione Cultura e Arte and was organized and produced by Gruppo Arthemisia. It is receiving support from the Campania regional government and the Naples town council and is promoted by the Naples town council department for culture and tourism under the aegis of the Naples archdiocese. The catalogue publisher is Arthemisia Books.
    Taking part in the presentation was the rector of the basilica, Vincenzo de Gregorio, the head of the Pietrasanta Polo Culturale non-profit organization, Naples councillor for culture Nino Daniele, and curator Iole Siena of Guppo Arthemisia.
    The exhibition is inaugurating the L'Arte della Solidarietà project, implemented by Arthemisia alongside Susan G. Komen Italia, an organization that works to fight breast cancer. In the crypt and underground chambers of the Basilica della Pietrasanta there are also the shows 'Sacra Neapolis - Culti, Miti, Leggende' ('Holy Neapolis: Cults, Myths and Legends') in collaboration with the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, the institutional partner of the basilica (until September 15) and 'Napoli: Storia, Arte, Vulcani' ('Naples: History, Art and Volcanoes') with the Osservatorio Vulcano (until March 30).