Vedovamazzei (Stella Scala e Simeone Crispino) Italians

Vedovamazzei (Naples, Italy,1991)

Formed in Naples in 1991, Vedovamazzei is an artistic duo composed of Maristella Scala (Naples, Italy, 1964) and Simeone Crispino (Frattaminore, Italy, 1962).

The name Vedovamazzei comes from Neapolitan tradition, where the adjective “widow” followed by the woman’s married surname was a key part of her identity. The artists reinterpret this as the starting point of their work, considering it their first artistic act.

Their practice is marked by a distinctive style, blending different media and processes to explore themes such as identity and its expression, the present, and the future.

Both artists left Naples to move to Milan, though they maintain a strong connection to their roots and traditions.

Their works have been exhibited in solo and group shows in both public and private spaces, in Italy and abroad. Their pieces are part of the permanent collections of MAXXI in Rome, Madre in Naples, and MAMbo in Bologna.

The duo currently lives and works in Milan.