Palatino Contemporaneo. Da Duchamp a Cattelan. Arte contemporanea sul Palatino
curated by Alberto Fiz
28 jun – 29 oct 2017
Another intriguing exhibition centred around the theme of contemporary art and archaeology, with over 100 masterpieces, including installations, sculptures, paintings, photographs and drawings, from 25 different countries.
Works by well-known names from Contemporary art’s pantheon of fame, such as Marina Abramović, Gino De Dominicis, Marcel Duchamp, Gilbert & George, Joseph Kosuth, Barbara Kruger, Richard Long, Allan McCollum, Vettor Pisani, Michelangelo Pistoletto, Remo Salvadori, Mario Schifano and Mauro Staccioli feature side by side with leading artists of the younger generations such as Mario Airò, Maurizio Cattelan, Anya Gallaccio, Cai Guo-Qiang, Claudia Losi, Paul McCarthy, Sisley Xhafa, Vedovamazzei and Luca Vitone, together with pieces by designers and architects such as Ugo La Pietra, Gianni Pettena and Denis Santachiara.
Occupying Domitian’s Stadium on the Palatine, the lower perystile of the Domus Augustana, the terraces and the Arcate Severiane, the arches overlooking the stadium, the exhibition is divided into three thematic sections. The first focuses on Architectural Installations, a modern contrast to the historical setting, the second features Hands, drawn, photographed, painted, sculpted, the most potent of symbols of communication and creativity, while the last is devoted to Portraits, the acme of visual identity and a genre in which the Romans themselves excelled.
Architecture, identity, communication and creation are all themes modern society frequently treats with nonchalant irony, seeking to overset any received ideas and refusing every dogma. The juxtaposition of contemporary works with the solemn, majestic architecture of the Palatine’s imperial residences inevitably leads us to question the meaning of time and permanence. The works, many created for the exhibition on the Palatine, are not intended to reassure, but rather to lead us to reflect on how we interpret history and antiquity.
The works on display are from the ALT museum, created by architect Tullio Leggeri, one of Italy’s most prominent collectors. Since the Sixties Leggeri has worked with a number of artists, fostering projects and solving technical and creative problems. A selection of works from his one thousand-strong collection is showcased here amongst the monumental ruins.
The exhibition explores the relationship between past and present and is intended to encourage a reflection on collective memory, the meaning of architectural ruins and our vision of modernity.
Start date
Wednesday 28 june 2017
End date
Sunday 29 october 2017
Foro Palatino
Via di San Gregorio, 30
00184 Roma
Curated by
Alberto Fiz
Promoted by
Promoted by the Soprintendenza Speciale Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio in Rome, the ALT (Art, Work, Region and Contemporary Art) Association, and Electa