Gemina is a project that was born as a natural and propulsive reaction to a more unique than particular historical period, marked by cultural and economic stasis, in which, at least initially, art was unable to express itself and contaminate new realities.
Gemina is the word created to contain and represent the majesty of creation, understood as the fertilization of territories, cultures and minds. “The word is a profound thing, in which for the man of intellect inexhaustible riches are hidden.” (Gabriele D’Annunzio, Il Piacere). Is it possible to lay the foundations for a thought combined in the present from an undertaking accomplished in the past? Some men, about a century ago, put their efforts at the service of a common purpose to bring the products of an entire community beyond a previously insurmountable border. “The desire for expansion of a small community and its realization is what inspired the idea of Gemina in my research
artistic” (Federico Ferrarini).
The Sailing Ship
The Veliero San Nicolò, originally used for production needs, was launched on 8 December 1925 in Bardolino (it was launched on 8 December 1925 in Bardolino Verona). Made entirely of wood, it is the oldest vintage ketch (two-masted sailing vessel) and the last one that sails on the lake. Work of the Guarnati shipyard and commissioned by the brothers Giuseppe and Giovanni Donà, it was baptized “San Nicolò” in homage to the patron saint of the town. What does a boat have to do with a cultural artistic project? To explain it, it is necessary to take a trip back in time to when this type of boat, the Bragozzo, used mainly for fishing, was embellished with majestic painted sails. With this creative project San Nicolò will be able to relive its history and set sail on a new journey and a reconciling message of beauty.
The birth of this project in the words of the artist Federico Ferrarini “I thought about my territory and its fruits, I tried to understand what all this value had in common.
As soon as I learned the story of the genesis of the San Nicoló sailing ship, I clearly visualized an image. The roots that anchor us to this place, the seed that through the gesture of creation is grafted beyond a previously impassable border.” Thus the artist managed to enclose a profound message in the Gemina symbol: as a banner of strength, an emblem of construction and sowing, a banner in the luminous battle for beauty and territorial quality.
