Cala del Forte in Ventimiglia is Monaco’s third harbour. The Société d’Exploitation des Ports de Monaco (SEPM), which belongs to the Monegasque state, will be the sole owner for 80 years and so has made the marina fit for the demands of the 21st century.

It opened in 2021 on the idyllic coast of Ventimiglia, Italy, inspired by the highest standards of Italian hospitality and the experience of its neighbouring sister ports Port Hercules and Fontvieille in Monaco. Everything has been designed and built to be at the forefront of environmental sustainability.

Seen from above, the unique shape of Cala del Forte is reminiscent of a shell resting in the sea with a circular layout. Almost unrecognisable from the sea, it is one of the few marinas that blends in perfectly with its surroundings and is located just 12 km from Monaco in the historic and natural charm of the Riviera dei Fiori on the Ligurian coast of Ponente.

The marina is also characterised by two other amenities: Monaco One, the sustainable shuttle service that takes up to 12 passengers between Monaco and Cala del Forte in just 15 minutes, and a lift (we found out that one ride up or down is about 40 seconds) that connects Cala del Forte directly to the historic town centre of Ventimiglia, which is located on the hill behind the marina.

And if you’re looking for further highlights and/or aesthetic inspiration, it’s worth popping into Ventimiglia these days. In this enchanting and stylish setting, Giancarlo Mazzoni is showing a solo exhibition “SeaArt&Craft” – Cala del Forte in Ventimiglia open until 7 July on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 6.30 to 10 pm. His work deals with the natural forces that surround us. Mazzoni, creator of the sculpture of the sperm whale’s tail in Bordighera, among others, is presenting a series of sculptures dedicated to marine animals in this exhibition.

Sabina Airoldi of Tethys Institute, reminds us that Mazzoni’s art is not only a bearer of aesthetic values, but that he creates impressive works that deal with fundamental themes such as environmental protection. Mazzoni’s works bear witness to the friendship between the artist and nature, and in particular with the endangered vaquita. This is due to the fact that the harbour porpoise accidentally gets caught in the nets used for the illegal fishing of totoaba, a fish that is sought after for its supposed medicinal properties and for which exorbitant prices are paid.

What is the connection between the Arts and Crafts movement and Mazzoni’s work?

“As a modern alchemist, the sculptor creates interesting and original works that convey a sense of movement and elegance of form thanks to his special craftsmanship and skill in working with a difficult material such as steel”, explains Gisella Merello in her speech on 7 June at the opening of the exhibition.

“After thirty years of professional and artistic activity, he was inspired by a historical art movement for his current exhibition: Arts and Crafts. This art movement, which emerged in Great Britain in the second half of the 19th century, aimed to renew the arts and crafts and decorative arts and to enhance the value of manual labour in an era dominated by industrialisation and mass production. By neglecting craftsmanship, this trend led to a decline in taste and style.

The artists and craftspeople of the Arts and Crafts movement created works that were intended to convey a sense of authenticity, integrity and beauty using traditional manual techniques. In general, the Arts and Crafts movement helped promote an aesthetic based on simplicity, quality craftsmanship and harmony with nature.

The movement was primarily conceived by John Ruskin and was theoretically inspired by the Middle Ages, which served as a historical example of the essentiality of labour in contrast to the mechanical production of modern industry.

Mazzoni uses the terminology in the singular and combines it with the word sea, SeaArt&Craft, to refer to the maritime theme of the works. At the same time, the sculptor rebels with an elegant style against a current problem caused by globalisation and so-called progress, following in the footsteps of the representatives of arts and crafts,” according to Merello.

Transforming something rigid into a fluid form requires a great understanding of materials. Mazzonis dedicates himself to the necessary change in dealing with the world’s oceans with empathy, humanity and appreciation. Raising awareness of this far-reaching problem – evolution in handling the oceans.

Giancarlo Mazzoni “SeaArt&Craft” – Cala del Forte in Ventimiglia open until 7 July on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 6.30 pm to 10 pm.

The exhibition brochure was edited by Claudia Andreotta, art historian and Francesca Bogliolo, art critic.

All photos Saverio Chiappalone, courtesy SeaArt&Craft – Giancarlo Mazzoni