Vesuvius Within: Carmelo Raiti’s Provocation to Conceptual Art

Carmelo Raiti, a well-known Neapolitan painter, returns to the spotlight with his latest exhibition Il Vesuvio dentro (Vesuvius Within), on view from April 29 to May 5 at the Salone delle colonne della Real Casa dell’Annunziata, located in Via Annunziata 34, Naples.

Raiti’s decision to dedicate the entire exhibition to Mount Vesuvius, the symbolic volcano of Neapolitan identity, carries a precise meaning. In a recent interview, the painter explained that Vesuvius does not merely represent the city of Naples, but the whole of Campania. From this comes the idea that depicting Vesuvius should not be limited to the few locations that offer privileged views. On the contrary, Raiti’s works overcome this limitation by portraying the volcano in every glimpse of the Neapolitan landscape. Thus, saying that “Vesuvius is within each of us” reflects the need to always carry one’s roots along.

Into the heart of the exhibition

The exhibition consists of 21 paintings: 17 measuring 30 × 35 cm and 4 measuring 2 m × 80 cm. One of these clearly expresses the intention to explore the esotericism of Naples through the depiction of Vesuvius alongside the traditional horn amulet.
“The esotericism of Naples is something we all live,” Raiti explained. “Even if we don’t always believe in it, superstition attracts us, surrounds us, almost like choreography. That is why this large horn resting on the rocks aims to convey a sense of belonging.”

Another of the most emblematic works portrays a daisy lying on the beach. The word Margherita is not just a flower—it is a person’s name, a word spoken daily by Neapolitans when they enter a pizzeria, and even the name of the queen to whom the famous pizza symbol of Naples was dedicated. The delicacy of a flower and the majesty of a millennia-old volcano: two elements that seem to contrast sharply, yet Raiti’s magic lies in portraying them as deeply united under the banner of tradition and Neapolitan identity.

The challenge launched by Raiti

The exhibition revolves around one key word: provocation. Raiti explained that in a historical era dominated by conceptual art, the reproduction of beautiful landscapes seems outdated and out of fashion. The challenge is therefore clear: to offer viewers a simple painting that does not require conceptual superstructures to be understood.

Vesuvius Within represents an abandonment of complexity—a clear, direct style based entirely on the transparency of water. This approach highlights not only Raiti’s technical skill but also reflects years of study and experience. The artist also emphasized the importance of learning in a workshop setting, a tradition now largely lost but one he continues to value and preserve with great pride.

The man and the artist: an inseparable bond

Carmelo Raiti was born in Augusta in 1945. Inspired by his grandfather Davide Forte, a painter and professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Naples, he chose to follow the same path, moving to Naples to attend an art high school. As a representative of the contemporary movement known as Esasperatismo, the artist recently concluded a group exhibition in Bagnoli titled Bagnoli oltre l’acciaio.

Raiti’s painting is not limited to the theme of Vesuvius, yet in this latest exhibition the desire to provoke clearly dominates—also evident in his technique, characterized by oil paints and thick layers of color, the mature result of significant artistic and human experience.

Raiti also shared a deeply personal story: five years ago, he was hospitalized at the Ospedale del Mare.
“It was a terrible period of my life that I wouldn’t wish on anyone,” he said. “The darkest moment of the day was between five in the afternoon and seven or eight in the evening. During those hours, the corridors were empty, and I would wander aimlessly, reading safety signs. In those moments, I kept thinking: ‘why not hang paintings here?’ So once I was discharged, I started painting again.”

Following this experience, Raiti not only donated a painting to the cardiology ward but also continues to replace and donate new works each month. Seven of his paintings are permanently displayed in the cardiology department of the hospital, offering comfort to both medical staff and patients, who often engage in discussions about the artworks and their meanings.
“Perhaps this is what gives me the greatest satisfaction,” the artist concluded.

Additional details

The exhibition Il Vesuvio dentro by Carmelo Raiti will open on Wednesday, April 29 at 5:00 PM at the Salone delle colonne of the Real Casa dell’Annunziata in Naples and will run until May 5, with the following opening hours:

• Monday: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

The opening event will also feature speeches by Salvatore Flocco, Irene Comelato, Carlo Polito of Flash Art, Professor Fulvio Pastore, and Paolo Napolitano, National Representative of the Esasperatismo movement.