The Myth of Superheroes. From Antiquity to Contemporary Art

The Myth of Superheroes is the first international travelling exhibition that aims at making visible the common thread linking the past, the present (and the future) of the myths.

From the Amazons to Wonder Woman, from Hercules to Superman, from Neptune to Aquaman, legends change their appearance, but remain faithful to their original mission to guide new generations towards a better, brighter future, where action and battle are the flip side of a coin that calls for morality and responsibility.

Central to our introductory concept for this exhibition is the juxtaposition of significant archaeological pieces with representations of modern, mythical superheroes in order to illustrate and illuminate their origins and connections with the gods and heroes of the ancient world.

From the heroes of history and mythology, the exhibition then explores the modern superheroes through a very extensive private collection comprised of a significant nucleus of original comic books in several languages dating from 1935 onwards (Tarzan, Lone Ranger, Prince Valiant, Flash Gordon, to name a few), hundreds of action figures from the leading series – heroes, sidekicks, villains – of varying dimensions (Superman, Batman, Cat woman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, ecc), movie posters from 1941 onwards (Adventures of Captain Marvel), still photography from leading films and TV series. The collection also includes an extensive image database related to film, TV series, cartoons, etc in video format that permits both printed materials, video projections etc. to be realized as part of exhibition design and content. 

The exhibition invites the audience to explore this incredibly imaginative world, where men and women are able to fly, read minds, control time and magnetic fields, climb walls and manipulate magic. Everything is possible and the only limitation is the unbridled imagination of the artists – writers and designers – who in some eighty years of history have created an artform. What began as entertainment meant for the youngest, has gradually turned into a unique form of art and expression that has transcended the boundaries of the print media to arrive on television and in cinemas around the world.

The message that the hero – and this exhibition – wish to convey is easy: superpowers are not necessary for being a superhero; everyone can become one by changing the world around them through small, daily acts of solidarity, understanding and respect.