The ancient city of Pompeii continues to inspire and captivate audiences across the globe, as seen through two notable exhibitions: the immersive experience at the National Museum of Australia and the thought-provoking display of Iranian artist Dayan Nazari.
Currently, the National Museum of Australia, located in Canberra, hosts the immersive exhibition focused on reviving the real-life essence of Pompeii, which was famously frozen in time after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. This innovative exhibit invites visitors on what can be described as a multi-sensory exploration of the Roman city, emphasizing daily life before and during the catastrophic eruption.
The exhibition has been made possible through collaboration with various cultural institutions. Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, expressed the ambition behind the project, stating, "Vogliamo offrire un’esperienza educativa unica, simile a quella degli scavi, dove si cammina tra le strade e gli edifici della città antica." This commitment to education seamlessly merges with technological advances, inviting participants to not just view but to feel and experience Pompeii as if they were there.
According to curator Lily Withycombe, the exhibition aims not merely to educate but also to evoke feelings of empathy. She stated, “I visitatori se ne andranno con un legame più profondo con la gente di Pompei e con la città che chiamavano casa, nonostante i 2mila anni che ci separano.” This empathetic approach allows visitors to leave with greater emotional connections to the long-gone inhabitants of the city.
One of the exhibition’s highlights is the extensive collection of authentic artifacts, many of which are being displayed for the first time in Australia. Visitors can engage with objects like the beautifully crafted situla—an elegant liquid container—and discover social life through everyday items, such as the small loaf of carbonized bread, symbols of life abruptly interrupted.
The immersive experience also features the reconstruction of Pompeii's main street leading to the towering model of Vesuvius, creating the atmosphere of the city and its ultimate fate. Visitors are met with digital projections and soundscapes depicting the dramatic volcanic eruption, capturing the shocking events as they unfolded.
Meanwhile, the city of Pompeii also hosted the exhibition "Pompei MMXXIV" by artist Dayan Nazari, which concluded on December 26, 2024, at the Museum of Temporary Business. This exhibition sought to bridge the ancient and contemporary worlds through Nazari’s colorful and geometrically audacious art, creating themes of humanity, culture, and identity. Mayor of Pompeii, Carmine Lo Sapio, attended the opening, highlighting the community's interest and engagement.
Dayan exclaimed, "Pompei non è solo un sito storico; è una testimonianza della resilienza, creatività e fragilità umana. Attraverso questi dipinti, cerco di reinterpretare quell’eredità in un modo che risuoni con il mondo di oggi." His work not only reflects the grandeur of classical civilizations but also engages with modern concerns, offering a fresh perspective on the enduring impact of Pompeii.
The recognition of Nazari's artistry attracted notable figures from the realms of culture and design, such as stylist Nino Lettieri, who curated the event as homage to Nazari’s talent and vision. Nazari’s work will gain additional exposure at the upcoming 'Arte in Fiera' event scheduled for February 2025, which promises to extend the conversation initiated through his exhibition.
Both exhibitions—the immersive experience at the National Museum of Australia and Dayan Nazari’s captivating contemporary artwork—demonstrate the lasting legacy of Pompeii. They shine through as powerful reminders of how historical contexts resonate within modern sensibilities. More than just artifacts, they invite us to reflect on the connection between past lives and our present, emphasizing the enduring stories of resilience and creativity we carry forward.
Hence, these artistic endeavors continue to draw interest not only from art enthusiasts but from the broader public, reinforcing Pompeii's importance as both an archaeological site and modern cultural touchstone.