The cultural associations dotART and Exhibit Around APS, which have been involved in promoting international photography in Trieste for years thanks to the Trieste Photo Days festival, global competitions, and cultural projects, have had the privilege of collaborating with Giorgio Celiberti, an artist from Udine and internationally recognized master. On the occasion of his 95th birthday, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Maestro for his extraordinary contribution, which has enriched and enhanced our work.
Celiberti, known for his multifaceted work ranging from sculpture to painting, has participated in world-famous events such as the Venice Biennale, where he exhibited his symbolic and emotionally charged works at the age of 19. His creations combine tradition and innovation and have been exhibited in numerous international museums and galleries. His art, characterized by the use of materials and forms that evoke a profound connection with the territory, has also influenced the conception of the awards, giving them a meaning that goes beyond simple recognition.
Steles and Sigils certified by the artist Giorgio Celiberti.
In the context of the photographic initiatives promoted in 2024, the collaboration with Celiberti has elevated the quality of the competitions and prizes, transforming them into moments of reflection and celebration of visual culture. His contribution created a bridge between photography and visual art in a broader sense, promoting the Friuli Venezia Giulia area on an international scale.
Reflecting on the precious moments shared with the Maestro, we recognize how his vision has significantly enriched our journey, contributing to the growth of our initiatives and the enhancement of our territory.
The meeting with the artist: a special moment in his studio
The collaboration with Giorgio Celiberti began with a deeply significant meeting in his studio, a place that contains the essence of his long artistic career. Welcomed with great availability, we had the privilege of immersing ourselves in his creative universe, among canvases and sculptures that tell of decades of art and passion. In that setting rich in history and inspiration, Celiberti expressed his interest and enthusiasm for our projects, giving life to a precious synergy that has enriched our competitions and enhanced emerging talents.
Images and video interviews taken from the first meeting with Giorgio Celiberti in his atelier.
How the first awarded authors met Giorgio
A particularly significant moment of the collaboration with Giorgio Celiberti took place in September, during two events organized by Exhibit Around APS. The day began with an awards ceremony at the Trieste Airport, where the magnificent Sigils were revealed for the first time to the public – precious medals that the Maestro personally created for the photographers awarded in the “24ORE di Fotografia” contest.
Subsequently, the day continued with the inauguration of a photographic exhibition at the CID of Torviscosa. Here a moment of great emotion occurred: Giorgio Celiberti made a surprise visit to the public, joining the celebration. The photographers awarded at Trieste Airport had the unique opportunity to get to know the Maestro, express their gratitude for his artistic support and receive a personal dedication on the Sigils’ certificates.
The award-winning photographers meet the master in Torviscosa.
Celiberti trophies for URBAN Photo Awards: the art of FVG conquers the world
A truly special aspect of the collaboration with Celiberti was his involvement in the creation of the prizes for the URBAN Photo Awards, the international contest that celebrates urban photography. The winners, coming from all over the world, brought with them a unique piece of Friuli Venezia Giulia. Celiberti has created exclusive trophies in the shape of stems, tangible symbols of excellence in urban photography. Each trophy is a unique creation, custom-designed for each of the competition categories.
The Steles and Sigils were awarded to winners of categories such as Single Photos, Projects & Portfolios, Book&Zine Award, URBAN Photo Arena, URBAN Press Award and TPD Best Author (to name a few), celebrating the exceptional talent of photographers from every corner of the world. world. Each trophy and medal represents not only a symbol of excellence and creativity, but also a unique work of art, making each recognition even more meaningful to the winners.
Photographers from all over the world decorated with Steles and Sigils by Giorgio Celiberti.
The Artistic Sensitivity Award
A particularly touching moment was the awarding of the Artistic Sensitivity Award, introduced in 2024 in honor of Giorgio Celiberti. The Maestro personally chose, among the thousands of photographs in competition, the work that best represents the essence of this award, dedicated to those who manage to capture the emotional and visual aspect of urban photography. The winner, Marie-Laure Vareilles, was awarded for her work “AVATAR’S MOUNTAIN PINTER…” in the Creative Section of the Single Photos category, receiving the trophy directly from the Master’s hands during the Awards Ceremony.
Giorgio Celiberti personally awards the French photographer Marie-Laure Vareilles
The strength of a bond between art, culture and territory
Thanks to the collaboration with Giorgio Celiberti, the initiatives promoted by Exhibit Around and dotART and presented every year during the Trieste Photo Days – International Photography Festival have acquired a new level of meaning, bringing with them the message of Friuli Venezia Giulia in every corner of the world. Celiberti, with his artistic creations, paid homage to the beauty and importance of our territory.
Heartfelt thanks to the Maestro for having enriched this path with his direct commitment. Not only through his art, but also with his concrete presence, which made exciting and unforgettable moments with our community of photographers possible. His active participation created a strong and authentic bond between photography and Friulian culture, a bond that transcended regional and national borders, bringing his message throughout the world.
Awards for photographic projects held in Sala Xenia during the first weekend of the Trieste Photo Days festival.
Awards ceremony held in the Lelio Lutazzi Room on the occasion of the second weekend of the Trieste Photo Days in Magazzino 26 festival
Useful articles and links:
Giorgio Celiberti – Official page
URBAN Photo Awards – The legacy of a Venice Biennale artist for a new URBAN Special Prize
Exhibit Around APS – History and culture of the area told by over 70 photographers: celebration of the Exhibit Around and dotART projects (italian only)
Trieste Photo Days –Friuli Venezia Giulia shines at the Trieste Photo Days thanks to Giorgio Celiberti’s trophies
Canale Youtube di dotART / Exhibit Around : https://www.youtube.com/@dotARTchannel
