Franco Donaggio shows ‘Silences’ photography exhibit at Casa Alchimia gallery

Built in 1789, Casa Alchimia is reborn from its own foundation in perfect harmony with the enchanted landscape of Maine in Freeport. Here, the owners’ taste and experience have created a residence that offers a new concept of hospitality combining elegance, respect for the environment and the contemplation of art through the interior design and the wonderful contemporary collection made available by Monica and Giampiero Bonacini.    

The finesse of the rooms where luxury marries simplicity is set within the authenticity of a natural place inhabited by silences coming from far away. The profound sense of history and an unmistakable feeling of the Italian taste make this place the ideal destination for those who yearn for a charming and relaxing resort where every single detail is especially studied for amusing your senses. The outer structure of the house, rebuilt in New England style, has maintained the typical architectural of the area. Inside there are, among the various pieces of furniture, some of the most famous items belonging to the history of Italian design and created by Cassina, Molteni, Zanotta, Driade, Kartell.

A number of iconic pieces of Italian contemporary design from the 1950s to now are on view at the home, including work by Gae Aulenti, Achille Castiglioni, Tobia Scarpa, Vico Magistretti, Joe Colombo, Michele De Lucchi, Dino Gavina and Marco Romanelli.

Since October, Casa Alchimia has enriched its hospitality proposals by offering events dedicated to art and by opening to the public a contemporary art gallery that covers the ground floor of the house, as well as the garden.

Franco Donaggio’s solo photography exhibit, “Silences,” will be on view in the space from Oct. 8 to Jan. 29.

The body of work, majestic in its purity, was carried out on the occasion of the bicentenary of the constitution of the state of Maine and specifically requested by Casa Alchimia’s owners. Grateful for the territory of adoption, the Bonacinis have asked the author, well-known for his poetics and creativity, to interpret the spirit of their place of election.

He will show photographic stories ranging from romantic splendors to the unquestioned seduction of a pure land, virgin places where time is beaten by silences and seems to move slowly at a rhythm dictated by the soft whispers of nature. 

The 54 works composing this extraordinary travel journal, printed in black and white, will be shown.

The inauguration of the gallery, initially organized for fall 2020, was postponed because of the limitations due to global health emergencies.

A reception for “Silences” will be held at 5 p.m. Oct. 8.

Alchimia Gallery is at 188 Main St., Freeport. Entrance is free but by appointment. Call 207-749-8141. See www.alchimiagallery.com or email [email protected] for more information.