European Union stands as the initial subject matter.
A Wanderer's Tale: Matthias Geitel's Journeys Through Italy
German artist Matthias Geitel took a leaf out of history when he journeyed from Olevano Romano to Rome in 1996, echoing the grand tradition of German artists and intellectuals who have trekked through Italy since the 18th century. This picturesque town, nestled in the hills east of Rome, was a popular spot for European artists during the 19th century. They'd spend their summers here, sometimes on foot or on mules, before making their way to Rome for their studies. This trend also resonated with the surge of West German tourism to Italy since the 1960s.
Geitel embarked on a 56-kilometer hike from Olevano Romano to Rome's main station, armed with a map and a camera. His journey resulted in around 100 slides documenting the roads between Olevano and Rome Termini. Local folk gave him curious glances, but he pressed on, eventually arriving at the destination with weary feet but a rush of inspiration. The following year, he published an artist's book titled "A Walk Through the Campagna," which included his postcard drawings, photos from the walk, and notes about his stay in Olevano.
The artist continued to draw inspiration from his walks, creating lines connected to his routes, such as Olevano Romano to Rome, Rome to Cervara, and Cerveteri. These lines served as the basis for a series of nine drawings, each about 170 cm wide. He's also worked on a project called "Variations of the Simple Line," which abstractly explores landscapes, symbols, skulls, and network structures.
Today, an exhibition showcases a selection of Geitel's lines, photos from his walks, and a group of watercolors from the Knot series, which depict simple or double arches connecting in free-flowing pigments. His latest works focus on the design of painterly surfaces, blending the past with the present. An accompanying artist's book provides insights into Geitel's connection to the artistic heritage of Friedrich Nerly, 19th-century landscape painting, and the phenomenon of German travel artists in Italy.
This exhibition positions Geitel's work within the broader context of German artists who have traveled through Italy, seeking inspiration from its classical heritage, Renaissance art, and historic landscapes – a tradition that dates back to the era of the Grand Tour. Although there are no specific exhibitions dedicated solely to Geitel's walks from Olevano Romano to Rome, his work aligns with this long-standing artistic tradition.
To learn more about exhibitions featuring Geitel's work, checking current and upcoming exhibitions at Roman institutions like Museo di Roma Palazzo Braschi or German art museums with Italy-focused collections might offer more targeted information. These exhibitions continue to highlight the artistic connections and influences that arose from such travel, positioning Geitel's journeys as a noteworthy chapter in the ongoing dialogue between German artists and Italy's cultural heritage.
Insight: Matthias Geitel's walks can be understood within the broader context of the Grand Tour, a formative journey for many European artists and intellectuals seeking inspiration from Italy’s classical heritage, Renaissance art, and historic landscapes. This tradition dates back to the 18th century and continues to be celebrated in exhibitions featuring German and foreign artists in Rome and Italy. Some examples include the works of Anselm Feuerbach, Paul Klee, and artists showcased in the Roma Pittrice exhibition at Museo di Roma Palazzo Braschi. Matthias Geitel's work reflects this ongoing artistic dialogue, with his walks connecting smaller towns like Olevano Romano to major artistic centers such as Rome.
Matthias Geitel's walks, echoing the Grand Tour tradition, reflect a lifestyle of travel that connects smaller towns like Olevano Romano to major artistic centers, such as Rome, emulating the journeys of European artists and intellectuals throughout history. This artistic exploration, as shown in his works, continues to inspire and be showcased in exhibitions at institutions like Museo di Roma Palazzo Braschi.
