On the occasion of the 20th Contemporary Art Day, Gianluca Mainiero will open his studio to the public to present, in an exclusive preview, his new project, which will be developed during an "artist residency" scheduled for the spring of 2025.

During this event, visitors will have the opportunity to contribute to the realization of the project itself, which can be described as a participatory artistic journey, through the free donation of personal objects linked to their own individual stories. Those who wish to participate are asked to donate at least one object that represents a memory and carries a unique meaning tied to personal memory. The donated objects will be combined with those from the artist’s own experiences and will become an integral part of the project.

“Memory Boxes” aims to prompt a reflection on the relationship between objects, memory, and the passage of time. Personal memories, accumulated over the years, act as custodians of both individual and collective memories, stimulating a subjective and unique narrative that explores the meaning of memory and the traces it leaves over time.

This endeavor is intended as an investigation into the philosophical and semiotic aspects of memory, understood as a system of signs and meanings passed down through objects. The concept of time is explored in depth, with particular reference to its non-linear perception, inspired by Julian Barbour’s theories on the non-existence of time as an absolute entity. Through the use of material objects, the project invites reflection on memory as a complex and layered construct that connects past, present, and future.

The event will also mark the beginning of a fundraising campaign to support the project’s production costs: visitors will be able to provide their support by purchasing works from the artist’s archive, made available on an exceptional basis for Contemporary Art Day.