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

“Canto Napoli” is a solo show in which Emilio Isgrò investigates the Neapolitan song tradition using his signature erasure technique. Curated by Eike Schmidt, the exhibition is installed in rooms 81–83–84 on the museum's second floor and is on view until 29 September 2026.

Isgrò applies erasure to the scores of iconic Neapolitan songs, creating works where preserved textual and melodic fragments are overlaid with insect motifs as visual and symbolic elements. In addition to the works on paper, the installation features two mandolins and a classical guitar, treated with the same figurative elements as the two-dimensional pieces.

Highlights

• Technique: mixed-media erasures on score paper mounted on wood, exploring memory and poetic sign.
• Musical selection: 25 scores including ‘O sole mio, Voce ’e notte, Reginella, Maruzzella, Resta cu’mme, Napul’è, Funiculì funiculà and Malafemmena.
• Installation: rooms 81–83–84, second floor of Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte.
• Three-dimensional pieces: two mandolins and a classical guitar included in the display.
• Curatorship & catalogue: curated by Eike Schmidt; catalogue published by Treccani with essays and critical contributions.

Why visit

The exhibition links conceptual research with popular tradition, offering a new reading of Neapolitan song as an essential cultural heritage. Isgrò’s erasures preserve traces that prompt viewers to actively decode the works, turning familiar songs into visual, hermetic compositions.

Practical info: exhibition on view until 29/09/2026 in the specified rooms. A Treccani catalogue with scholarly essays accompanies the show.