Traces of Roman civilization and identity are evident in the two paintings that won over the judges of the latest edition of the extemporaneous painting competition, organized by the Tnt Global Art association on December 27th in the fascinating setting of the Turris Libisonis archaeological site. The competition was part of the third edition of "Non era solo Garum," an event dedicated to promoting the historical, cultural, and food and wine heritage of the city of Porto Torres. The event, organized by the CCN Botteghe Turritane with the patronage of the Municipality and the support of the Sardinia Region, was held.
The winning works are those that express the theme "The Ancient Romans and the Baths of Turris Libisonis" in an original and personal way. First place went to Tonino Fenu's canvas, which won the €500 prize, followed by Giuseppe Gaspa's work, which received €400. The award was presented during a ceremony held on Thursday afternoon, January 8th, in the state room of the Palazzo del Marchese, the official seat of the Municipality of Turris Libisonis. The event was attended by Culture Councilor Maria Bastiana Cocco, President of the Municipal Culture Commission Antonello Cabitta, President of TNT Global Art Gianni Nieddu, the 11 artists involved, some from Turritano and others from other towns in the hinterland, and the judging panel made up of Stefano Giuliani, Director of the Turritano Antiquarium Museum, Silvia Pinna, Art Historian of the Regional Directorate of Museums of Sardinia, and Gavino Sanna, promoter of the "Non era solo Garum" event.
The three judges had the challenging task of selecting the works that most effectively conveyed the essence of the customs and traditions of the people who lived in ancient Turris Libisonis during the Roman era. This was a period of great splendor when the first Roman colony in Sardinia, founded by Julius Caesar in 46 BC, was a crucial strategic port for trade. The city reached its peak between the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD thanks to a thriving economy based on agriculture, fishing, and crafts.
The jury based its assessment on key parameters such as composition, technique and color, adherence to the theme, originality and creativity, timing, and overall visual impact. For the high quality of the submitted works, honorable mentions were also awarded to Mario Gaspa, Sandro Marchi, and Inna Boiko. The two winning canvases will now become part of the city's cultural heritage. The works have been donated to the Antiquarium on Via Ponte Romano, which will permanently display them at the entrance as soon as the museum, closed for renovations a few days ago, reopens with its new layout next June. "This new edition of the extemporaneous painting exhibition," emphasized Maria Bastiana Cocco, "has once again underscored the strong collaborative relationship with TNT Global Art and the Museo Antiquarium Turritano. The initiative represents a further opportunity to highlight our city's deep connection with artistic expression and the traditions of the past. We therefore thank all the members of the association for their usual commitment, the artists who participated and the jury who enthusiastically accepted the invitation to decree the winners."
