Essential Experiences confirms Riso's identity as a diffused regional museum by establishing links with other city and regional cultural institutions and promoting a "historical cultural continuity" that weds centuries-old tradition to what is contemporary to provide an alternative interpretation of Sicily's extraordinary artistic heritage.

Essential Experiences addresses fundamental ethical issues regarding the concept of "creation" and the artist's responsibility, the ability to draw the viewer into a journey interpreting major existential themes -- the passage of time, death, solitude, identity, love -- in signs, symbols, and metaphors that are simple yet complex.