TORONTO – The highly touted exhibition of the magnum opus of Giotto, the earliest of the Renaissance painters to lead a transformation in the cultural values of Italian and European societies, was a success. The opening of the event (yesterday), co-sponsored by Consul General, Luca Zelioli, and Veronica Manson, Director of the Istituto Italiano di Cultura, almost did not take place. It would have been unfortunate, and we would have been the less for it. The Westcoast weather conditions besetting the State of California nearly caused the cancellation of the air flights transporting highly sensitive, innovative technology on which the Show is dependent. But Giovanna Panebianco, member of “Hidonix”, persevered and managed to load the exhibit on a flight in time to afford us a first look at the the world of Giotto. 

Giotto’s works adorn the walls and ceilings of several churches and private mansions in Italy. His frescos are considered by art connoisseurs and enthusiasts to be the finest examples of the transformative art that inspired the development of the early renaissance art forms in the late 1300s early 1400s. His works and those of his “school” populate hundreds of what are now ‘public spaces’ in Italy.

Seven hundred years after his passing, his genius and talent continues to inspire artists, art lovers and those entrusted with archiving the best in humanity’s creativity. In 2021, his masterpiece frescos on the ceiling of the Scrovegni Chapel in Padova, was declared a World Heritage site. One needs to “see it to believe it” and to appreciate its allure.

“Hidonix” thought it a shame to keep this marvel locked up in Padova, and to limit its fascinating experience only to those who could afford the time and resources to travel the distance required. Working with creative innovators in lense crafting and heliogram technology, they devised special visual “eyeglassware”, that, in combination with posters in specifically designed spatial environment, allows the viewer to have an “immersive virtual experience” of Giotto’s creation. it is as if the audience were physically present in a three dimensional space. It is truly awe-inspiring.

Even our paper and its photographers cannot do it justice. the display/show is available at the Italian Cultural Institute, 496 Huron St., phone 1-416 921-3802 or website https://iictoronto.esteri.it/ for tickets. Info: https://www.themagicofgiotto.com/  

In the pics below, from left: the Consul General of Italy Luca Zelioli, the director of the IIC Veronica Manson and Giovanna Panebianco of “Hidonix” and some images of the inauguration of the exhibition dedicated to Giotto, promoted in collaboration with the Italian Consulate, which will be open at the Italian Cultural Institute in Toronto until February 29th (photo: Corriere Canadese)