Vortici: Alexi Worth Bridges Contemporary Art and Ancient Ceramics in Naples
The Gallerie d’Italia in Naples is hosting a unique artistic encounter from April 3 to July 5, 2026, with the exhibition “Vortici. Alexi Worth in dialogo con la ceramica antica.” Curated by Silvia Gaspardo Moro and Richard Neer, the exhibition creates an unprecedented dialogue between the ancient pottery of the Caputi Collection and the contemporary vision of American artist Alexi Worth.
A Contemporary Symposium
The exhibition explores the historical theme of the symposium and the ritual gestures associated with drinking in ancient Greek culture. In classical tradition, kraters—large vessels used for mixing wine—served as the focal point of social gatherings where participants discussed ideas, recited poetry, and played games. The gallery layout mirrors this ancient arrangement: ancient vessels occupy the central space, while Worth’s paintings line the walls, acting as contemporary guests at the symposium.
The Intersection of Eras
The display pairs nine paintings by Alexi Worth, marking his first time exhibiting in Italy, with four specific pieces from the Caputi Collection: three krater vases and one hydria. These ancient works were selected by Richard Neer, a Professor of Art History at the University of Chicago, to highlight the enduring relevance of archaeological artifacts in a modern context.
The Art of Alexi Worth
Worth’s contributions to the exhibition are described as images “crafted by the mind and the hand.” His work focuses on enigmatic reinterpretations of ordinary objects, specifically wine glasses, hands, and leaves. To evoke the psychological dimension of the drinking ritual, Worth utilizes:
- Airbrush Technique: A method that blends contemporary sensibility with archaic references.
- Restrained Palette: A color scheme dominated by terracotta orange and black tones.
- Visual Focus: Compositions that emphasize the space between fingers and faces, exploring the relationship between realism, abstraction, and silhouette.
One notable piece included in the exhibition is Seesaw (part.) (2020), a mixed-media work on mesh measuring 172.7 x 121.9 cm.
The Legacy of the Caputi Collection
The ancient ceramics featured in “Vortici” belong to the Caputi Collection, a historic 19th-century archaeological assembly now part of Intesa Sanpaolo’s artistic heritage. This collection consists of over 500 Greek and Magna Graecia ceramic pieces dating from the 6th to the 3rd centuries BC.
Michele Coppola, Executive Director of Art, Culture and Historical Heritage at Intesa Sanpaolo, notes that bringing these works together with Worth’s art recognizes the “surprising modernity of ancient vases,” which continue to inspire contemporary creativity.
Key Exhibition Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | April 3 – July 5, 2026 |
| Venue | Gallerie d’Italia – Napoli |
| Curators | Silvia Gaspardo Moro and Richard Neer |
| Tickets | Full: 7€ | Reduced: 4€ | Free for minors under 18, schools, and Intesa Sanpaolo customers |
Key Takeaways
- First Italian Debut: This exhibition marks the first time American artist Alexi Worth’s work is shown in Italy.
- Thematic Focus: The show centers on the “symposium for two,” focusing on the ritual of drinking.
- Curatorial Approach: By placing ancient pottery in the center and paintings on the perimeter, the exhibition recreates the physical and social dynamics of an ancient Greek gathering.
As contemporary art continues to find inspiration in the classical past, “Vortici” serves as a bridge between the 6th century BC and the 21st century, proving that the gestures of human connection remain unchanged across millennia.