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Robert Pettena

Noble Explosion Curated by Marco Pierini, Galleria Civica di Modena, Palazzina dei Giardini.

Born in Penbury, UK, in 1970, Robert Pettena spent his formative years immersed in the contrasting cultural landscapes of Brixton, London, and San Giovenale, Reggello, Italy. In 1990, he relocated to Florence to attend the Accademia di Belle Arti, setting the foundation for his multifaceted artistic practice.

Robert Pettena’s work is a synthesis of poetic inquiry and provocative exploration, navigating the complexities of contemporary reality. His creative repertoire spans photography, video art, and installations, complemented by performances and site-specific projects that often engage collaborators from diverse artistic undergrounds. This dynamic approach channels raw energy into thought-provoking scenarios, sparking a sensory “short-circuit” in his audience. Whether through monumental interventions like his excavation at the GUM Studio in Carrara or minimalist gestures such as the placement of a record player in the desolate landscape of Lake Santa Barbara (“Alla conquista dell’inutile”), Pettena’s work consistently challenges perceptions.

Pettena has participated in numerous group exhibitions across Italy and internationally. Highlights include “Watou Poëziezomer” in Belgium (2001), “The Food Show” at Chelsea Art Museum, New York (2006), and “Jump into the Unknown” official collateral event of the 56th Biennale di Venezia (2015). His 2008 anthology, “Second Escape,” curated by Pier Luigi Tazzi, unfolded across multiple venues in Prato, marking a pivotal moment in his career.

His solo exhibitions include notable projects such as “Guerre des Rêves” at Suburbia Contemporary, Barcelona (2022); “Tivoli Gardens” and “Un-Mappable Zones” at Aknoon Art Gallery, Isfahan (2020-2021); and “Hunting the Baron” at Suburbia Contemporary (2017). Earlier retrospectives include “L’Enigma di Nobel” at Le Murate, Florence (2016), and “Noble Explosion” at the Galleria Civica of Modena (2014).

Pettena’s practice also extends to workshops and educational projects, such as “Industrial Archaeology: Lost and Found” at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Palermo (2016) and “Speaking to Walls” at the Museo del Marmo, Carrara (2012). These initiatives reflect his commitment to engaging with both historical and contemporary contexts.

Robert Pettena’s work continues to evolve, bridging artistic disciplines and geographic boundaries, while inviting audiences to reconsider the narratives that shape our understanding of the world.

https://robertpettena.net

"Hunting the Baron" Robert Pettena
Grotesque Games curated by Mike Watson, Macro Asilo, Roma.2018