Publications
The Great Rock of the Aquane: A masterpiece of Valcamonica recounted (and made consultable) with 21st-century tools.
A groundbreaking study on the rock drawings of Valcamonica, Italy, reveals new interpretations and cultural connections through innovative digital documentation. Andrea Arcà's work, 'The Great Rock of Naquane,' combines meticulous archaeological research with 21st-century technologies to analyze one of Europe's most significant engraved rock surfaces in the Alps. The study highlights how digital tools enhance both the recording and interpretation of archaeological heritage, offering fresh insights into the symbols and narratives depicted. This interdisciplinary approach not only advances our understanding of Alpine archaeology but also sets a new standard for the study of rock art worldwide.
S.W.Hayter and the Atelier 17 and Their Contributions to Understand Their Own Existence through Art
Research reveals that the archetypal symbols found in Stanley William Hayter's engravings and those in prehistoric rock art, such as those in Valcamonica, Italy, share a common origin rooted in the collective unconscious. This finding suggests that these recurring motifs—including schematic anthropomorphic figures and triangles—are universal and transcultural, reflecting shared human experiences and rituals across millennia. The study employed a multidisciplinary approach, combining analysis of Hayter's works (e.g., Tarantelle and Cinq Personnages), interviews with curators and artists, and hands-on experimentation at Atelier 17 in Paris, where Hayter's techniques—such as automatic drawing, simultaneous printing, and burin engraving—are still practiced. These methods, influenced by Jungian psychology, demonstrate that artistic creation is deeply tied to subconscious imagery, offering new insights into the interpretation of both ancient rock art and modern engravings.
Naquane, Grande Roccia, dalla scoperta al modello bidimensionale immersivo
A groundbreaking immersive virtual tour of the Great Rock (NAQ1) in Valcamonica's Naquane National Park reveals unprecedented insights into prehistoric rock engravings. This innovative approach combines contact-tracing with ultra-high-resolution photo mosaics, enabling precise digital documentation and interactive exploration of 2028 engraved figures spanning 65 square meters. The study addresses longstanding challenges in rock art research by leveraging photogrammetry and photometric stereo techniques to create a detailed 3D model, overcoming limitations of traditional recording methods. This immersive tool not only facilitates scientific analysis but also promotes global appreciation of one of the world's richest archaeological sites.
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