The Patron Saint's Day celebrations are still several months away, but the exhibition space in the San Simplicio car park , located under the basilica of the saint of the same name, patron saint of the city of Olbia, is moving forward by hosting the artistic installation by Maria Aramu.
The artist from Olbia, born in 1995, celebrates San Simplicio and the Olbia tradition with “La giornata di festa”. After hosting exhibitions of conceptual figurative art, graphics and illustration, the Aspo space opens its doors to painting, welcoming Aramu's homage to the Romanesque basilica of San Simplicio, to the patron saint of the city and to the traditional Sardinian costume.
Painted in oil on wood and conceived specifically for this exhibition space, the installation recalls the celebration of the feast of San Simplicio, a moment of great participation and devotion for the Olbia community , during which folk groups from Gallura and other areas of Sardinia parade in traditional clothes to celebrate the holy martyr. The work exalts its elements, with particular attention to the female figure and the beauty of traditional costumes, a symbol of belonging and cultural pride.
Built between the 11th and 12th centuries, the Basilica of San Simplicio stands on an area that was once sacred and funerary, as evidenced by the necropolis below. It is the main example of Romanesque architecture in Gallura and represents an important point of reference for the history of Olbia from the Middle Ages to today.
In 2024, the Simplician Year was celebrated to commemorate the 1720th anniversary of the martyrdom of the saint, and Aramu's work fits into this context as a tribute to the history and identity of the city. Curated by Daniele Pipitone, it will be open to visitors until March 31 with free admission.
