In Villanova Monteleone, a universe accessible to all opens up thanks to "Sardinian Macrocosm: The Island You Don't Expect," the new exhibition and editorial project by photographer Salvatore Canu. A true tool for biological investigation, Canu's carefully selected and powerful images guide the public through the most hidden curiosities of Sardinian biodiversity.
The book presentation (by Carlo Delfino Editore) and the inauguration of the photography exhibition are scheduled for Friday, June 19th, at 6:00 PM in the Su Palatu rooms. Greetings will be given by Mayor Quirico Meloni, the Rector of the University of Sassari, Gavino Mariotti, and the President of the Pro Loco, Pietro Fois. These will be followed by a talk by Maria Tiziana Nuvoli, head of the entomological collection at the Department of Agriculture at the University of Sassari (UNISS), who will offer a scientific interpretation of the works on display. Throughout the book, as well as throughout the exhibition, Canu's photography seeks to reveal the immense in the minuscule: from wild orchids, extraordinary jewels of evolution and camouflage, to the smallest and most mysterious inhabitants of the animal kingdom. The complex beauty of spiders and Opiliones is documented, to which the author has dedicated years of rigorous taxonomic studies, including fear-inspiring species, such as the brown recluse spider and the Mediterranean black widow.
The gaze captures the geometric precision of dragonflies and damselflies, the solemnity of the praying mantis and the oratory iris, the industriousness of bees such as the Colletes daviesanus, up to the elegance of butterflies, dipterans and the small ladybird Henosepilachna argus.
The exhibition will be open to the public until August 9th, on Saturdays and Sundays from 6 to 8 pm, while from Monday to Friday, entry is by appointment. For those seeking a more in-depth experience, guided tours with the author are available for groups of up to fifteen people. Reservations can be made by calling +39 3489954535 or by emailing canusalvatore@gmail.com. The initiative, organized by the Pro Loco and the Municipality of Villanova, is part of the "RigenerazioneX" program curated by the Anemone Cultural Association. The exhibition is part of the "Chenamos in Carrela" 2026 program and is part of the Salude & Trigu network of the Sassari Chamber of Commerce. The event is also organized with the patronage and support of a broad network of institutional and cultural partners: the European Union (NextGenerationEU), the Ministry of Culture, the University of Sassari - Department of Agriculture, and Unpli (National Union of Pro Loco of Italy).
