Artist abroad
UD student bound for Argentina to participate in international art exhibition
4:40 p.m., Nov. 14, 2014--In the rollercoaster of emotions experienced by Cristian Vitale after being invited to participate in one of the largest art exhibitions in South America, first came joy, then dejection, and finally, profound gratitude.
“The invitation was such a rare opportunity for someone my age, but there was no way I could have afforded it,” says Vitale, a fine arts junior from Newark, Delaware, who is one of only a small handful of students in the world invited to attend the fourth End of the World Biennial, a contemporary art exhibition in Argentina.
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Seeking financial assistance, Vitale reached out to the College of Arts and Sciences.
“I know the University invests a lot in its students,” he says, “and I was hopeful they could help me with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
They did.
“Given many of the other international artists who have been invited to represent their countries are mid-career artists, this is really quite an extraordinary opportunity for Cristian,” says Joann Browning, theatre professor and senior associate dean for the arts in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). “The college is committed to enhancing student learning and engagement, and we are glad to support Cristian on this discovery learning journey.”
Vitale will leave for Argentina on Sunday, Nov. 16, and return Dec. 13. His experience abroad has been funded by generous support from the CAS Office of the Dean, Office of the Provost, Department of Art and Office of Undergraduate Research.
During his time abroad, he will work with renowned Italian art curator Vittoria Biasi on a project that explores the “condition of man.” Vitale’s project examines “sacred spaces we create after experiencing death.”
Drawing from elements of Buddhism and inspiration from Michelangelo, Vitale will sculpt over 4,000 hanging fingers. Using an unknown source of light, his exhibition aims to “create a moment in space where it seems that divine light is raining down onto us.” (Read more on his website and blog.)
Vitale developed the concept shortly after losing his mother to cancer three years ago.
“When she passed, the University became my family,” he says. “If it weren’t for school — for my friends and professors and for the work that has kept me focused and allowed me to channel my emotions and creativity — I don’t know what I would have done.”
Three days after returning from Argentina, Vitale will embark upon another journey to Cambodia.
Fully funded as a Plastino Scholar, he will research Buddhism and examine the intersects between religion and art, blogging about his experience.
“I still can’t believe how lucky I am to be in this position,” he says. “I am so thankful for the University to help put me on this path, and I look forward to one day being able to help other students who needs it.”