by Nastassja Martin
Interview: Massimiliano Fedriga, Friuli Venezia Giulia governor
A fitness club in central Trieste has become an exhibition space for contemporary art, with a new show drawing inspiration from the characters, imagery and themes of the Star Wars film franchise.
Titled BEYOND THE STARS – The Art Side, the exhibition opened at John Reed Fitness, at Corso Italia 5. Curated by Alessandra Pierelli, with Paola Martino as co-curator, the project brings together 10 artists offering their own interpretations of the universe created by George Lucas. The exhibition looks ahead to the 50th anniversary of the release of the first Star Wars film in 1977.
The works explore the saga’s central conflict between good and evil, using its characters and mythology to examine questions of power, vulnerability and redemption. Darth Vader, whose story is shaped by both the pursuit of power and the possibility of transformation, serves as a recurring reference point.
Their interpretations range from pop art and sculpture to satire and references to classical painting. Pellegrino incorporates traditional Sicilian decorative lights into his depiction of Darth Vader, while Cardeña places Yoda within a psychedelic, floral setting. Bacter reimagines Princess Leia in a composition inspired by Tintoretto’s The Origin of the Milky Way, while Bruno Volpez, known as ZEP, gives the character a rock-inspired identity.
Other works take the franchise in different directions. Maglionico’s Tax Wars uses the imagery of the intergalactic conflict to comment on taxation and the rising cost of living. Pierelli’s sculptures, made with drawing pins, explore the relationship between attraction and danger. The exhibition also includes light-based works by Banfi, pop paintings by Ceccarelli, performance-inspired references by Poggipollini, and paintings by Porta that draw on memory and psychological unease.
The exhibition’s installation combines the artworks with costumes, droids and lightsabers, creating a dialogue between the original film imagery and the artists’ reinterpretations. The Crimson Squadron, the Friuli Venezia Giulia Star Wars fan club, contributed costumes, helmets, lightsabers, saber-combat performances and costumed participants.
Samuele Frosio, sole director of RSG Group Italia, which operates the John Reed brand, said the exhibition was part of an effort to bring contemporary art into everyday public spaces rather than confining it to traditional galleries and museums.
John Reed has previously hosted exhibitions including Ken Scott – Vernissage, Graffitismo italiano and We Are All Superheroes, as part of a broader initiative connecting fitness, music, design and culture.
The exhibition is open to visitors every Saturday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free, but advance registration through Eventbrite is required.
