ART CUT '26
Exercises in Empathy: Spiritual Machines
6 October - 20 November, Milan, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
ArtCut 2026 – Exercises in Empathy: Spiritual Machines is the first edition of the Triennale of Contemporary Art of Catholic Universities, conceived by Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça and curated by Nuno Crespo.
A major international project involving universities, artists and curators from different countries and continents, created to explore the theme of empathy through art: the ability to relate to others, to listen, to look at the world from different perspectives.
The Italian stage of the project, entitled Spiritual Machines, brings this reflection to the historic spaces of Università Cattolica, through the works of Orla Barry, Rui Chafes, Rodrigo Cass and Gian Maria Tosatti. Sculptures, videos, sounds and environmental installations dialogue with Bramante's cloisters and the twentieth-century architecture of the campus, transforming places of university life into spaces for experience, listening and contemplation.
The title stems from a question that runs through the entire exhibition: what space is left today for interiority, relationship and the spiritual dimension, in a world increasingly mediated by technology?
The works invite you to slow down, observe, listen. Iron can seem to lose its weight, geometry to become a sensory experience, sound to open an inner space, light and shadow to transform the perception of a known place.
More than a path to be observed from a distance, Spiritual Machines is an invitation to experience art and the spaces of the University in a new way: an exercise in attention and empathy.
Helpful Resources
Artists
Works
Works
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Rodrigo Cass
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RUI CHAFESCinza
2000, steel/iron; 714 x 280 x 280 cm; Col. Peter Meeker (Depósito na Fundação Serralves, Porto -
Rodrigo CassAmerican Civilization
2012 Video and audio projection; cement, glass, book, wood on paper ; 47 x 36 x 9 cm. Video: 8'53" · Projection area: 100 x 65 cm -
Rodrigo CassEncontro amoroso do círculo com o quadrado
2023, Video projection on tempera, linen and acrylic, audio/ Video projection on tempera, linen and acrylic, audio. Base: 141 x 172 x 19 cm; Video: 31'11" -
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Rodrigo CassAmorous Mysticism
Video projection on gold plated brass and tempera on Wood, audio. Video: 11'22" · -
RUI CHAFES & ORLA BARRYNot said
2001, Iron sound installation, photography; 210 x 79 x 108 cm; CACE State Contemporary Art Collection Cascais, Portugal -
Rodrigo CassMilk Offering, Milk Boy
2024, Video projection and audio over tempera on linen and acrylic/ Video projection on tempera on linen, acrylic, audio Escultura: 87 x 127 x 36 cm. Video: 12'33'' · Área projeção: 78 x 104 -
RUI CHAFESQuero tudo de ti
Heavy yet seemingly immaterial, Chafes's Iron sculpture takes on the quality of an organic presence, suspended between body and abstraction. The fluid and sinuous forms of the work suggest a living presence reaching towards another body. -
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Rodrigo CassRevolução do ar
2026, Cement, white cement and tempera on linen./ Concrete, white concrete and tempera on linen 73 × 80 × 4 cm. -
Rodrigo CassRevolução Sensível
2026 Cement, pigment and tempera on linen/ Concrete, pigment and tempera on linen; 89 x 87 x 3 cm -
RUI CHAFESSecreta soberania (até que chegue o nosso doce reencontro)
2000, steel/iron; 714 x 280 x 280 cm; Col. Peter Meeker (Depósito na Fundação Serralves, Porto -
Guided tours and insights
In October and November 2026, it is possible to participate in guided tours of the exhibition Exercises in Empathy: Spiritual Machines.
- The meeting is scheduled at the time indicated for the visit at the reception of the entrance of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, in Largo A. Gemelli 1, Milan.
- The visit lasts approximately 60 minutes and is conducted by the students of the University.
- Participation is free.
- The exhibition spaces are also accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Booking information
- Groups will consist of a maximum of 25 participants.
- Through the form it is possible to make, with a single name, the reservation for a maximum of 5 people.
- After filling out the form, your names will be added directly to the list without sending a confirmation email.
- Registration closes at 18.00 on the day before the visit. If the maximum number of participants is reached before this deadline, the form will be closed early.
- Reservations are required subject to availability.
Calendar of visits
Guided tours will take place once a week in the late afternoon, according to the available calendar.
For organized groups, schools, associations or other entities interested in a dedicated visit, it is possible to agree on dates and methods by writing to the e-mail address: info.artcut2026@unicatt.it
- Filename
- Proposte_attività_didattiche_Spiritual_Machines.pdf
- Size
- 190 KB
- Format
- application/pdf
Reservations for guided tours
Select the day and fill out the form
An opportunity to take a short cultural break during the day and discover the exhibition through the eyes of one of its curators. In thirty minutes we will focus on one of the artists present in the exhibition, deepening his path and the works on display.
Dates and times
- Wednesday 28 October, 1.30-2.00 p.m.
- Friday 6 November, 12.30-13.00
- Thursday 12 November, 12.30-13.00
Meeting at the Gemelli entrance, reservation is not necessary.
Discover the aesthetic education courses designed to accompany children, teenagers and adults in their encounter with the works.
It is possible to download the sheets of the aesthetic education courses for the exhibition Exercises in Empathy: Spiritual Machines and book the activities by writing to the email address indicated.
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