From May 15th to July 19th, the exhibition space of Villa Monastero in Varenna will host the exhibition Symphony of Bodies in Motion, curated by Conservator Anna Ranzi.
The representation of sport in contemporary art finds widely diverse expressions through the pictorial work of Natino Chirico and the fashion and design creations of Ken Scott, who were close friends.
Natino Chirico’s masterpiece “Lo sport”, composed of 99 canvas panels dedicated to various athletic disciplines, is displayed alongside 10 scarves and 3 dress models by Ken Scott, the internationally renowned American artist and fashion designer. Together, they encapsulate the creative essence of both artists: the former celebrates the physicality and ethical values of sport, while the latter revolutionized fashion, bringing bold colors and graphics into the world of sportswear.
The exhibition, which will be inaugurated on Friday, May 15th at 5:00 PM, is included in the Villa Monastero admission ticket.
The initiative is part of the Province of Lecco’s project ConoSCIamo: storie di sci e montagna (ConoSCIamo: Stories of Skiing and Mountains), which received funding from the Lombardy Region under the Olimpiadi della Cultura grant program, ranking first in the selection process. The project involves 34 museums over an extended period, running from November 2025 to August 31st, 2026.
“This fascinating initiative comments the President of the Province of Lecco Alessandra Hofmann, celebrates the world of sports through a dual artistic interpretation, thanks to two prominent, internationally renowned figures—one tied to the world of fashion, the other to painting. Last year, we dedicated an extraordinary exhibition to Ken Scott, organized in collaboration with the Ken Scott Foundation and the Mantero Group, which celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Province of Lecco over a three-month period. On that occasion, Natino Chirico exhibited a sculpture portraying the artist. Today, he presents a highly emotionally impactful installation that contemplates sporting disciplines and celebrates the value of sport”.
“The fruitful collaboration between these institutions emphasizes Silvia Bosio, Provincial Councillor delegated to Culture and Cultural Heritage, generates virtuous practices and excellent results. This is clearly demonstrated by the ‘ConoSCIamo. Storie di sci e montagna’ project, strongly supported by the Province of Lecco to enhance the rich cultural heritage of our territory. It has fostered cooperation among 34 museums within the Provincial Museum System, providing the framework for this new initiative.”
Natino Chirico, an artist from Reggio Calabria with a background in competitive basketball, dedicates a significant portion of his artistic production to sports activities, exploring the world of sport as a metaphor for life, commitment, and beauty.
His art—particularly in the 2026 exhibition “Sport è valore” (Sport is Value) and the 2025 Olympic exhibition “Sinfonia di corpi in movimento,” curated by Gina Ingrassia at the Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone in Rome, from which the title of this current initiative is derived—celebrates dedication, respect, and cooperation. He portrays these values across all disciplines, from basketball to cycling, golf, and running, utilizing mixed media by incorporating metal elements, gold or silver leaf, and plastic on canvas.
Ken Scott (1918–1991), known as the “fashion gardener,” used his iconic printed fabrics—often characterized by giant flowers and bright colors—to dress an entire era.
In 1969, he held a fashion show at the Palazzo dello Sport in Rome, presenting garments that blended sporting practicality with his pop and colorful aesthetic.
His scarves are considered true collector’s masterpieces, combining the refinement of Italian silk with the international design that made him famous worldwide.
Although using different mediums—Chirico’s painting on canvas and Scott’s printing on silk—both artists use color and movement to convey energy and vitality, turning sport into a vibrant and accessible artistic subject through a universal and engaging language.