“Canto Napoli” by Emilio Isgrò at Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte

The solo exhibition “Canto Napoli” by Emilio Isgrò offers a conceptual reinterpretation of the Neapolitan song tradition: the artist applies his characteristic erasure technique to musical scores and papers, turning texts and melodic fragments into visual signs that invite active interpretation.

The installation occupies rooms 81-83-84 on the second floor of the Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte in Naples and includes both works on paper and three-dimensional objects integrated into the route.

What to see

• Technique: erasure on musical papers mounted on wooden supports, merging popular memory with artistic sign-making.
• Scores on display: 25 sheets, including classics such as "'O sole mio", "Voce 'e notte", "Reginella", "Maruzzella", "Napul'è", "Funiculì funiculà" and "Malafemmena".
• Three-dimensional elements: two mandolins and a classical guitar bearing figurative motifs consistent with the two-dimensional works.
• Installation: rooms 81-83-84, second floor.
• Curatorship and catalogue: curated by Eike Schmidt; catalogue published by Treccani with scholarly essays.

Why visit

The exhibition balances conceptual investigation and popular roots: the erasures convert familiar songs into visual objects that require active viewing. It is an occasion to rediscover Neapolitan musical tradition through a contemporary, conceptual lens.

Practical information

• Period: on view until 29/09/2026.
• Venue: Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte, Via Lucio Amelio 2, 80131 Napoli (NA), Italy.
• Catalogue: available for purchase from Treccani, including critical contributions.
• Times and tickets: check the museum's official website or contact the ticket office for up-to-date information.