Dürer Lai

From December 13, 2025, to March 15, 2026, the Stazione dell’Arte and the CaMuC in Ulassai will host “The Breath of a Journey,” an exhibition of rare intensity within the Italian cultural landscape that juxtaposes two emblematic figures in art history: Albrecht Dürer and Maria Lai.  

Through artistic languages separated by five centuries yet united by a shared sensitivity to the evocative power of marks and the search for meaning, the exhibition invites visitors to rediscover the power of vision and imagination.

Curated by Marco Peri and Luca Baroni, the exhibition offers an exceptional opportunity to closely admire some of the most important masterpieces of Dürer’s graphic work, sourced from prestigious private collections. An undisputed master of the European Renaissance, Dürer was not only a supreme engraver but also an innovator who fused Gothic heritage with new humanistic sensibilities, introducing psychological depth and formal precision into his works that have left a lasting mark on the history of imagery. His renowned engravings-including Melencolia I, The Knight, Death and the Devil, The Prodigal Son, and The Sea Monster-demonstrate an extremely curious sensibility attentive to nature and the mysteries of the human soul.

In dialogue with this visionary universe is a selection of works by Maria Lai, a Sardinian artist of recognized international importance. His research, deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of Sardinia, expands into a poetic and universal dimension. The Nativity scenes, the sewn and ceramic books, the breads, and the extraordinary Way of the Cross made of white thread all demonstrate a sensitivity capable of transforming simple materials into forms of powerful evocative intensity. His work, intuitive and suspended in a timeless elsewhere, introduces a contemporary register that resonates poetically with the rigorous formal construction of Dürer. The encounter between these two artists finds its synthesis in the themes that give the exhibition its title: breath, understood as vital breath and inner rhythm; and journey, as both a physical and spiritual dimension, an opening to discovery and a privileged space for transformation and revelation. Through this path, the exhibition reveals unexpected correspondences and restores continuity to the great questions of art: mystery, spirituality, the relationship with time, and imagination. The strength of the project lies in its original approach, which connects a central figure of the European Renaissance with one of the most significant voices in contemporary art. Over thirty original works by Dürer allow immersion into the complexity of his language, while Lai’s works introduce a poetic resonance that enables reinterpreting his production from a broader and more international perspective. This creates a journey across centuries that intertwines rigor, symbolism, and spirituality.

The exhibition originates from the collaboration between Marco Peri, Director of the Stazione dell’Arte, and Luca Baroni, Director of the Rete Museale Marche Nord and a scholar of graphic history. Their complementary expertise has shaped an original journey combining historical insight with contemporary sensibility. The CaMuC Museum and the Stazione dell’Arte in Ulassai-both places rich in identity and memory-provide the ideal setting to host an artistic and human journey that invites the public not only to observe but also to engage deeply. “The Breath of a Journey” thus presents itself as an experience that unites past and present, reactivating art’s power to open spaces for thought, emotion, and possibility.

Marco Peri, Director of the Stazione dell’Arte, states: “The Fondazione Stazione dell’Arte is preparing to celebrate its twentieth anniversary in 2026. It will be a significant year marked by new exhibitions and special initiatives dedicated to Maria Lai. The exhibition path of the permanent collection is continuously renewed to enhance the depth and richness of her artistic legacy. Together with the guides from both the Stazione dell’Arte and the CAMUC museum, we offer visitors educational paths that deepen understanding of the artist’s life and work, fostering a broader comprehension of her oeuvre.”

Exhibition Venues: Ulassai, CaMuC and Stazione dell’Arte
Via Garibaldi, 49, Ulassai (NU)

Public Dates: December 13, 2025 – March 15, 2026
Opening Ceremony: Saturday, December 13 at 11:00 AM at the CaMuC Museum

Opening Hours:  
Tuesday – Sunday: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM / 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Monday: Closed

Activities for the Public:  
Guided tours are available daily and included in the admission ticket at the following times: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM. These activities will be conducted by guides from Stazione dell’Arte.

For information and reservations, please contact: stazionedellarte@tiscali.it

Special educational programs for schools are available by appointment.  

Information on hours and tickets can be obtained by calling +39 350 132 2810 or emailing stazionedellarte@tiscali.it  

Social Media Hashtag: #DurerLaiUlassai @stazionedellarte

Press Contacts:  
Giuseppe Murru | email: sueppemurrustampa@gmail.com | Mobile: +39 346 667 5296
Arthemisia Press Office | Salvatore Macaluso | email: sam@arthemisia.it / press@arthemisia.it | Phone:+39 06 6938030