Sandra Piras
Sandra Piras - Daniela Spoto 2022, © CCIAA NU

Sandra Piras

Sandra Piras (b. Nuoro,12 April 1926–d. Nuoro, 27 January 2017) was an Italian gallerist and curator.

Affectionately known to everyone as Sandrina, she was a combative, highly cultured supporter of a cultural policy rooted firmly in the Nuoro region.

Through CHIRONI88, the art gallery she founded in Nuoro, she played a key role in the local milieu.

In the 1950s, she organised major exhibitions, involving both the city and regional authorities. In particular, a national exhibition held in 1957 recognised Mauro Manca for his work Ombra del mare sulla collina, triggering heated debate in the art world. The relationship between Manca and the gallery remained close and productive until his premature death.

CHIRONI88 distinguished itself for the clarity of its aims and artistic orientation, offering an uninterrupted programme of exhibitions and discussions, while Sandrina Piras stood out for her proactive personality and passion for research.

The main goal was to promote Italian and Sardinian contemporary art, while keeping abreast of the international scene. 
The gallery fostered exchange and critical debate, seeking to situate Sardinian and Nuoro art within the most important developments in language, form and materials.