Twelve artists, twelve unique voices, one artistic experience
Painting in Italy has returned to the forefront, and the exhibition “Painters of Italy: Young, Very Young… or Rather Mature” is a testament to this. Opened yesterday at the Antonio Colombo Gallery, this exhibition curated by Ivan Quaroni presents a selection of twelve Italian artists, each representing a unique facet of the contemporary painting scene.
The exhibition brings together young and older artists, creating a dialogue between different generations and painting styles. Participants include 108 (Guido Bisagni), Nicola Caredda, El Gato Chimney, Jacopo Ginanneschi, Agnese Guido, Dario Maglionico, Fulvia Mendini, Riccardo Nannini, Silvia Negrini, Silvia Paci, Paolo Pibi, and Melania Toma. These artists come from various regions of Italy, and some have lived or still live abroad, demonstrating that the genome of Italian painting is diverse and hybrid.
As Giorgio De Chirico pointed out, “The problem of painting (the most difficult art there is) cannot be solved with chatter and ease.” The selection of painters in this exhibition is not based on age criteria, but on the quality of their works. Federico Zeri remarked, “We live in a country where everyone thinks they know something about painting, and therefore feel entitled to voice their opinion,” but only an expert eye can truly appreciate and distinguish quality.
Ivan Quaroni, the curator of the exhibition, shares this view and has chosen to present artists who embody devotion to the oldest of visual languages. The title “Painters of Italy” and the ironic subtitle “Young, Very Young… or Rather Mature” reflect a tribute to the wit of Ennio Flaiano and his famous paradox, highlighting the thin line between truth and falsehood.
The works on display range from figuration to abstraction, creating an artistic “zodiac” where each artist represents a distinctive sign. The exhibition is not intended to be an exhaustive atlas of contemporary Italian painting, but rather a minimal compendium, a secular Book of Hours, where the diversity of styles and painting techniques is celebrated.
The selected artists represent a varied array of styles and trends, spanning the entire expressive spectrum of painting. From 108, known for his abstract works, to El Gato Chimney with his surrealist style, each artist contributes a unique voice to the chorus of contemporary Italian painting.
The exhibition is an unmissable opportunity to explore the richness and diversity of Italian painting today. Visitors and art enthusiasts are invited to immerse themselves in this visual journey, where tradition meets innovation, and youthful creative energy blends with artistic maturity.
