Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Nancy Cadogan’s 2024 ‘Stanza’ exhibits 20 years of her paintings inspired by Lake Como’s beauty, at Torre delle Arti Bellagio, reflecting on art and nature.
In 2024, Nancy Cadogan will present her solo exhibition titled “Stanza,” showcasing a deeply personal exploration of her twenty years of painting at Lake Como. The exhibition features around 20 pieces, with many created specifically for this event. “Stanza” builds on Cadogan’s previous exhibitions, including a 2021 showcase at the Keats-Shelley House Museum in Rome and a well-received display at the Saatchi Gallery in London. Cadogan’s artwork delves into themes of dreams, poetry, and moments of tranquility and reflection, capturing the ever-evolving beauty of Lake Como’s landscape. “Stanza” marks the first international show at the historic Torre delle Arti Bellagio, a public art venue located in the picturesque lakeside town.
Cadogan views her exhibition as a tribute to the numerous writers, artists, and musicians who have drawn inspiration from Lake Como’s serene waters. She highlights how the area has been a muse for Romantic figures like Percy and Mary Shelley, Wordsworth, Longfellow, Mark Twain, and Manzoni, as well as artists like Turner and Ruskin. Inspired by Mary Shelley’s descriptions of Lake Como, where she spent a summer with her husband, Percy Shelley, Cadogan has created new works that resonate with Shelley’s awe of the lake’s beauty and her experiences wandering its landscapes.
Cadogan emphasizes Lake Como’s unique ability to transform those who experience it. Nestled in the Alps, its breathtaking scenery—framed by snow-capped mountains and steep hills—mirrors the calmness of the water, offering a space for contemplation and a slower pace of life. For Cadogan, who has been painting Lake Como for two decades, this unchanged landscape serves as a timeless source of inspiration, allowing her to capture moments outside of the ordinary flow of time.
The “Stanza” exhibition also signifies Bellagio’s cultural revitalization, with the town investing in its cultural offerings and aiming to attract more international artists. Luca Leoni, President of the Lake Como Hotel Association, expresses excitement about hosting Cadogan’s exhibition at the Torre delle Arti, highlighting her connection to the community and her role in drawing inspiration from the local scenery. Cadogan’s involvement in Bellagio, from mingling in the village to finding inspiration along the lake shore, showcases her deep bond with the area and anticipation for the exhibition’s opening.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
