sara levarato

Non Ultra Metas is a video installation that examines myths and ideologies of limitless progress, expansion, and productivity. It links past and present by connecting Christian emperor Charles V and U.S. president Donald Trump through the imperial motto Plus Ultra (“further beyond”), seen in the decorative tiles of their palaces. The motto symbolized the expansionist ideology of Charles V’s empire. In the 21st century, it resurfaces in Donald Trump’s inauguration photo in 2017.

The title Non Ultra Metas refers to the lesser-known 1552 Siege of Metz, where defenders mocked Charles V with “not beyond Metz,” using limits as a form of resistance. Through historical, philosophical, and pop-culture references, the installation questions whether such narratives can counter the drive for endless expansion and boundless progress.

About the Artist
Sara Levarato is a new media artist and designer whose practice centers on CGI-based visual storytelling, video installations, and 3D-printed matter. Her work blends critical design with research-driven and experimental digital techniques. She explores how technological processes shape individuals within a data-driven landscape, particularly through labeling, representation, and self-optimization. A significant part of her practice involves the extensive use of 3D CGI and avatars.

Website: saralevarato.it
Instagram: @saralevarato