There is a place where the art of decorating the Sicilian cart is still alive and burning in the hands of two extraordinary people: Biagio Castilletti and Damiano Rotella.
Their names would probably not sound that familiar to you, but after reading this article you will remember them. Biagio and Damiano have always been artists taking care of the renovation and restyling of old and beautiful Sicilian carts. Not so long ago, they were challenged by the fashion giants “Dolce & Gabbana” to produce unique pieces for a special collection called “Sicily is my Love”. This collection included also the painting of some households appliances, such as fridges, mixers, coffe machines by SMEG, things that they were not used to redecorate. It was a great success and everybody talked about it worldwide (if you want to have a quick view about the products, click here).
After this experience, Biagio ad Damiano decided to open their “Bottega” in the heart of Ragusa Ibla, called “Rosso Cinabro” (name taken from the specific tone of red used in the Sicilian art tradition). It is a place that everybody can visit (for free!), between an artist workshop, in fact the visitors can observe them working on their daily assignments, and a museum, where one can observe what they have been done, what they are capable of and the beauty of their art. The atmosphere is peaceful and unique at the same time and this allows you to do a magical leap in time, feeling back in those days where life was made of emotions and less of the actual virtual reality.
We have been enchanted by it and we are sure you will be too!
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