The intent of the exhibition is to create a dialogue between ancient archival documents and works of contemporary art.
The State Archives of Vibo Valentia preserves an archival collection of notarial deeds (1547-1895) which includes within it a small series of "Secret Testaments" (1614-1893).
Secret wills, usually delivered closed and sealed by the testator so that they could be opened only on his death and at the request of the heirs, were kept separately at each notary's office. If none of the interested parties requested their opening or if a new will was drawn up without the testator withdrawing the previous one, they remained closed at the notary's office, to then be paid to the State Archives along with the other documents.
The exhibition, by relating the secret wills with the contemporary works of art identified for this exhibition, intends to evoke suggestions and reflections on the graphic sign in its various artistic declinations as a mark of the times and visible trace of the human attempt to become 'memory' .