This year’s title of the Art Quadriennale “FUORI” invites us to think outside the box
Forty-three artists have filled 4,000 square metres of the regal palazzo delle Esposizioni with art, sculpture, film, fashion, poetry and more. Indulge in the contrasting displays and powerful, political themes on show at this exhibition extended till 18 July 2021.
Partnered with Gucci, this splendid exhibition is an extravagant collection of various works you’ll want to give an hour out of your day to. It culminates into an eccentric maze of weird and wacky sights around every corner. Curated by Sarah Cosulich and Stefano Collicelli Cagol, FUORI (OUT) proposes a new perspective on Italian art from the 1960s to today, mainly focusing on the younger generations. This exhibition weaves the history of ‘la Quadriennale di Roma’ with alternative narrations (such as feminist, queer and decolonial voices), that have previously been side-lined. Thus “FUORI is an invitation to think outside the box”, as stated at the entrance and an inspiring space to question heteronormative themes.
To name a few standout artists, look out for Cinzia Ruggeri’s focus on surreal domestic and feminine fashion pieces (there are some emerald green thigh-high boots that look like the shape of Italy!). In one of the side rooms on the ground floor is the ‘TOMBOYS DON’T CRY’ project, created by 12 artists who have focused on emotions and transfeminist queer research – creating a wall display of jewellery and photography as well as poetry on the floor.
Choreographer and dancer Michele Rizzo has created the installation ‘REST’, four sculptures of bodies resting on stretcher-like structures. This alludes to the rest during months of lockdown but also has underlying focus on the Black Lives Matter movement. In contrast, Anna Franceschini has created a conveyer belt of blonde wigs, an abstract way of presenting the avant-garde tradition of ‘ballet mecanique’.
Keep an eye open for the flamboyant piece ‘Captain Strawberry’ by Valerio Nicolai, who has created a giant papier-mâché strawberry in which a performer, dressed as a pirate sits inside and bursts out every so often. It symbolises how unexpected worlds can merge together. Equally as unusual, upstairs Benni Bosetto has created a decadently grotesque space of gooey sludge that looks like body parts hanging on beams or dripping onto the red carpet. Accompanied with squelching sounds, this ‘butcher shop’ style installation transcends reality as we know it. In the adjacent room, Simone Forti dances on film at the beach and in a hedgerow, mimicking animal movements.
Perhaps the most impressive and jaw-dropping installations are what you can find on the grand staircases. Amedeo Polazzo has painted delicate murals on the walls, designed to fade without a trace. Furthermore, on the other staircase, Petrit Halilaj and Alvaro Urbano have suspended giant flowers to symbolise their love. Their wedding was due to take place in Spain but has been postponed due to the pandemic. The flowers are bright, blooming symbols of hope – uplifting visitors during these difficult months.
Don’t forget to visit the extensive bookshop upon leaving and enjoy a coffee in the café.
Till July 18th 2021
Palazzo delle Esposizioni
Via Nazionale 194
Tue – Sun 11am – 8pm
free entrance
Mandatory booking here: palazzoesposizioni.it/mostra/2020-art-quadriennale-fuori-out
