Marmo e Fumetti: Superheroes in Forte dei Marmi at the Laura Tartarelli Contemporary Art gallery, which is hosting “FORTE HEROES” through July 30—a group exhibition that explores myth, pop culture, and the contemporary need for inspiring figures.
In a complex era marked by profound and rapid social and cultural transformations, where are our collective points of reference?
The answer might lie within the pages of a comic book or in the veins of a block of marble, reinterpreted through the lens of avant-garde art. The Laura Tartarelli Contemporary Art gallery in Forte dei Marmi (Via A. Ponchielli, 19) will host “FORTE HEROES” through July 31. This group exhibition, personally curated by Laura Tartarelli, is entirely dedicated to the theme of the superhero and its evolution within contemporary forms of expression.
The project is conceived as a space for deep reflection and participation, inviting visitors to question the very meaning of the superhero and why these figures continue to exert such a powerful fascination on the collective imagination.
Long symbols of the triumph of good over evil, superheroes today embody universal values such as courage, responsibility, justice, and hope—values that seem more necessary and relevant than ever.
As the curator explains, the idea for “FORTE HEROES” arose from a fortunate intersection of destinies and a happy coincidence in timing. The first piece of the mosaic fell into place thanks to the meeting between Laura Tartarelli and Filippo Tincolini, a Carrara-based sculptor renowned for his refined exploration of marble.
The artist has captured the attention of critics precisely because of his ability to reinterpret the legendary characters of the Marvel and DC Comics universes through the lens of contemporary sculpture, masterfully blending classical tradition and pop culture.
This artistic collaboration brought back to the gallery owner’s mind a memory of an old, casual conversation she’d had with Giampaolo Bianchi, the father of Simone Bianchi. The latter is unanimously recognized as one of the most influential and extraordinary international illustrators in contemporary comic art, a celebrated and exceptional artist known for his work with the giants Marvel and DC Comics.
This inspiration gave rise to the desire to create a cohesive and structured exhibition, capable of thoroughly exploring the intimate connection between traditional heroic myth and the visual imagery of our times.
The exhibition unfolds fluidly and naturally thanks to the participation of four artists who, despite coming from profoundly different backgrounds and educational paths, share the rare gift of transforming icons of popular culture into universal symbols. In Simone Bianchi’s works, the unquestionable protagonists of the global comic book world leave behind the two-dimensionality of paper to take on an epic, almost sacred dimension, suspended in myth. Filippo Tincolini creates an original and unsettling dialogue between past and present, where the modern deities of comics are sculpted with the same solemnity that classical tradition reserved for ancient heroes.
Martin Lucchini brings his innovative and meticulously precise String Art (or Thread Art) to the exhibition, in which iconic faces and characters of our time emerge from a dense and carefully crafted weave of threads, striking a perfect balance between technical virtuosity and visual impact. Valerio De Cristofaro stands out for his original “folding” technique, with which he shapes and reinterprets the most famous figures of pop culture. His works are characterized by a strong emotional resonance and extraordinary sculptural power.
The exhibition extends beyond the walls of the Forte dei Marmi gallery.
As Laura Tartarelli herself points out, “this exhibition actually represents the first edition of a long-term project, designed to evolve and develop over time, including through a traveling component. The future goal is, in fact, to bring this format and the theme of contemporary heroism to different contexts and cities, sparking ever-new debates.”
Throughout its run, the event will be an unmissable opportunity for comic book enthusiasts, art collectors, and the curious, offering a fresh perspective on how art can capture the spirit of our times.
Exhibition: “FORTE HEROES” – Group Exhibition of Contemporary Art
Curator: Laura Tartarelli
Venue: Laura Tartarelli Contemporary Art, Via A. Ponchielli, 19 – Forte dei Marmi (Lucca) Through July 31, 2026
