by InTrieste
The organizers of Barcolana, the historic regatta held annually in Trieste, on Monday unveiled the official poster for the 2025 edition, designed by the American artist and stage director Robert Wilson. The work, presented in collaboration with illycaffè and Generali, is among the last pieces completed by Wilson before his death on Aug. 1.
The commission continues a tradition begun in 2015 of inviting internationally renowned artists to interpret the spirit of Barcolana, one of the world’s largest sailing races. Previous contributors include Marina Abramović, Judy Chicago and Stefan Sagmeister.
Wilson’s design features a stark, theatrical composition centered on the color blue, intended to evoke sea, sky and sails. Light plays a defining role in the poster, underscoring the director’s lifelong interest in stagecraft. Inspiration for the work came partly from Wilson’s collaboration with Susan Sontag on Lady from the Sea, Ibsen’s play reimagined for the American stage.
Mitja Gialuz, president of the Barcola and Grignano Sailing Society, which organizes the regatta, called the design “a beautiful journey into the color blue,” adding that it captured the unity and passion of the sailing community.
Cristina Scocchia, chief executive of illycaffè, described the poster as a tribute to Trieste, where the company was founded. “Supporting this event means celebrating our roots and fostering an ongoing dialogue between art, community, and territory,” she said.
Barcolana 2025 will take place on Oct. 12 in the Gulf of Trieste, with a program of events beginning Oct. 1 and the race starting at 10:30 a.m.
