Painting The Town

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Thank you Robert for writing this piece on the living art in Dozza, Italy. A great father's day present.

Dozza, Italy is the canvas for this bi-annual international art event.

In a small hill town near Bologna, Italy a remarkable event takes place every other year. Dozza is internationally known for its Biennial of Contemporary Art “Il Muro Dipinto” (The Painted Walls). Since 1960, international artists are invited to paint the houses of this small medieval village between Emilia and Romagna, jnown as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.


The objectives of this event are to give exposure to some of the finest living international artists by providing them with a unique “canvas” on which to paint their imaginative ideas and, over time, to eventually cover the entire village with their artistic murals.

The results are stunning. The counterpoint of a medieval background for contemporary art is something that few people other than the Italians could do so well. The art ranges from stylized abstract concepts to highly defined figurative works, some with an obvious sense of humor.

This year, there were 21 participating artists from origins as diverse as Italy, Japan, Germany and South America, each bringing their own unique perspective.


Claudio Bonichi, a well known Italian artist, created a fresco-like work with a surrealistic feel wherein the moon becomes a Venetian mask. Claudio hopes to open a school in Dozza to teach young artists the art of fresco painting which will add to the longevity of the murals as they are exposed to the outdoor elements. If a mural begins to degrade, an effort is made to carefully remove it from the walls and reinstall it in a permanent exhibit space in the city museum.

The castle alone is worth the trip and, for wine lovers, “Enoteca Regionale Emilia Romagna” is located in the lower level. The Enoteca is a beautiful exposition of the wines, olive oils and other specialties of Emilia Romagna. There are 800 different wines available at below retail prices. The Enoteca has two beautiful tasting rooms. Over 200 wineries and cooperatives are members. 

The combination of contemporary fine art displayed in a unique setting, excellent regional cuisine and exceptional wines is worth the effort to see, taste and experience. When in Bologna, make a side trip to Dozza.

For more information go to: Fondazionedozza.it
By Robert Sterling Scott
June 17, 2018