comel award: ‘aluminium, beneath the surface’

Among the characteristics of aluminum is corrosion resistance, that is, the ability of this metal to resist the action of external agents. This happens because, in contact with oxygen, a film, a protective layer, is created on the surface of aluminum, which is thin and resistant. It is as if the metal puts in place a kind of defense mechanism, protection, integrity, to endure the weather and external aggression, in order not to lose its physical and chemical characteristics. Beneath the surface, aluminum remains itself and preserves its peculiarities. A natural process that can be said to be analogous to the reactions of human beings, who often, in order to defend themselves, mask their feelings, personal and true psychological and spiritual traits.

“Aluminium, beneath the surface,” starting from a specific property of this metal, wants to be an encouragement to aim at the heart of things, to express in art what is often hidden behind appearances, what leaks out, what is not immediately visible and delineable, what is hidden. Art after all by its nature is also forwarding into the invisible, probing the inner spaces of existence.

The artists are invited to express an idea, a memory, a feeling, something that can be understood only by going deep inside: an invitation to use Art as a valuable means to externalize something one has inside, without using words but the “aesthetic gesture.”

The Award wants to draw attention to the expressive, aesthetic, communicative and constructive possibilities of aluminum, strengthen the relationship between business and contemporary art , create a vital and significant synergy between the public and artists, promote intercultural relations among European countries.

Released or unreleased artworks using the following techniques may be submitted: painting, sculpture, design, photography and installation. Quality, research, originality and contemporaneity of the work will be the essential criteria of selection.

Participation in the competition is free and open to all artists, 18 years of age and older, that operate in any of the European countries, and use aluminum as the main and significant medium for the realization of the work to be submitted.

Location of the events is the Spazio COMEL Arte Contemporanea opened in February 2012 in the historic center of Latina. A combination of art and company, past and present, history and modernity, tradition and innovation. This exhibition space has been obtained from renovating the building where the first CO.ME.L warehouse was. This has resulted in a bright and clear space, extremely well-conceived, both in its features and in its arrangement. Therefore, now, the space clearly reflects the combination of art and business, tradition and innovation. The gallery covers an area of more than 100 sqm. Provided with the most technologically advanced and modern equipment, it can be suitable for any exhibition needs.