Among the handicraft expression of Sorrento, there is certainly the singular, rare, and particularly suggestive creation of extraordinary terracotta shepherds and nativity scenes by Marcello Aversa.
It’s a particularly famous art in Naples (especially widespread in San Gregorio Armeno) to which the master Aversa has given his own characterization.
The artist is the creator of refined terracotta artworks inspired by traditions of the Neapolitan 18th century.
In his works, art and craftsmanship, religiosity and traditions stand out with a perfect sensibility.
The enchanting miniatures are particularly precious and appreciated: they are moulded by hand and positioned on small terracotta mono blocks, even if they are only a part of the production of the esteemed artist.
In fact, the master doesn’t build only the nativity scene, but, following the perfect proportions, he also creates the shepherds, the rooms, the houses and all the typical objects of all the nativity scene.
For some years the artist, without neglecting nativity scene, has also dedicated himself to the creation of works reproducing rites and traditions of Easter time in Sorrento Peninsula.
Following this trend, he recently presented the terracotta work “The Tree of Life” which re-elaborates an ancient tradition of Southern Italy, that of the Easter nativity scene.
His workshop in Via Sersale is like a small museum where you can admire these and other artworks, also made in terracotta.
And in the same shop Marcello continuously moulds his creations, in front of Italian and foreign tourists.
Since 1994 he exhibited in collective and personal exhibitions both in Italy and Europe: in Brussels, Naples, Reggio Emilia, Soriano nel Cimino, Traunstein, Grottaglie, Lione, Giffoni Valle Piana, Spoleto, Corciano, San Sebastiano al Vesuvio, Torre del Greco, Genova, Tricase, Frattamaggiore, Giarre, Rodi Milici, Stoccarda.
In December 2021, on the occasion of his 25 years of working, Villa Fiorentino had the honour of housing the exhibition “Terra viva – 25 years of history between crafts and art”.
The exhibition, recalling the master’s art, is an opportunity to show to the public the artwork “Oltre” conceived and created for the 20 th anniversary of the attack on the Twin Towers.
