What is it? Is it a Crèche? A stable theater scene? According to the artist it is an "Installation" inspired by the Neapolitan PRESEPIO art form of the eighteenth century.The sculptress intervenes in a given environment and creates a scene with her "characters" which speaks of the world situation at the moment.

DESCRIPTION: The PRESEPIAL INSTALLATION IN HONOR OF PEACE is a contemporary art work made up of about 200 sculptures- “pastori” which range in height from 40 to 60 centimeters, and 200 animals expertly sculpted from polychromed terracotta, -all of which are positioned in a three-dimensional theatrical setting with numerous architectural and scenic elements. It is a product of more than thirty years of work of the sculptress Yvonne DiPalma. When she first began this lengthly task she was surrounded by experts in the construction of the Neapolitan Presepio of the seventeen hundreds, but many of the techniques were still unknown, and others were willingly substituted by the sculptress with modern ones. Even if this work is based on certain characteristics of the Neapolitan Presepio, the artist has created a contemporary art work with a clear message to the modern world which is portrayed to the observer in an artistic and even amusing manner, - the urgent necessity for peace among all people. For each presentation, the sculptures are assembled on a stage which can measure between sixty and one hundred square meters, and appropriate lighting and a stereo system are required. There should be at least one meter of space all around the work, and a large space in front of it to be able to observe everything. Although this "installation" has usually been presented in the classical theater form, that is where the visitor observes it only from the front, it is possible to change the form according to the architecture of the structure where it must be installed. This work is particularly adapted for museums and art galleries, but it may also be done in oratories, cloisters, and private and public structures which meet the necessary requirements. It has been installed in two modern art galleries, a Renaissance Loggia, in two cloisters, an oratory, on the main altar of an eighteenth century church, on a theatrical stage, and in a fourteenth century crypt,- all located near Sorrento, in Rome, and in Florence. There are over one hundred articles from various newspapers and magazines documenting the various expositions, which were sponsored by the Culture and Tourist Boards of those cities' administrations, a private television station, the FIPE, the Province and Region of Rome, private individuals, an art magazine, a modern art gallery, three churches, a bank, and an editor. All of the shows were attended by thousands of visitors, but after the artist was invited to install it on a theater stage for a television show, and it was transmitted for one month by Fininvest TV, (now Mediaset) it can definitely be stated that the work has been appreciated by millions of people. A catalogue of the work, presented by a famous writer, Michele Prisco, and a well-known art critic, Tommaso Paloscia (written in both Italian and English) is available.


THE PURPOSE of this page is to preserve this work, and to find appropriate places (preferably museums) in Italy or abroad to exhibit this work during the December- January period of the year (the place must be available also in November to allow time for unpacking, constructing, and assembling the scene.) The work is NOT FOR SALE. The desire is to exhibit it, once the details of so doing are assessed (i.e. transportation, publicity, construction materials, guards, etc.) *It is now possible to visit the complete work, with also a demonstration of the technique of construction and an historical account, since it has been installed in the center of Florence, Italy. ( see “contact us” )