Giorgio Griffa and Kamrooz Aram Debate the "Decorative" at the American Academy in Rome
From 20 October to 28 November 2026, the American Academy in Rome will host "Giorgio Griffa / Kamrooz Aram: Paintings," curated by Ilaria Puri Purini. This exhibition features Italian artist Giorgio Griffa alongside Iranian-American Kamrooz Aram, reviving a tradition of transatlantic dialogue from the 1990s. Their collaboration commenced in 2024 when Aram, during his residency, created works inspired by Griffa. Despite a limited common language during their meeting in Turin, they shared literary references. The exhibition challenges the hierarchy of Western art history, with Griffa highlighting decoration as rhythm while Aram explores the significance of monochrome versus decorative art. Influenced by Beato Angelico's frescoes, Aram's work addresses themes of erasure and colonialism.
Key facts
- "Giorgio Griffa / Kamrooz Aram: Paintings" runs 20 October to 28 November 2026 at the American Academy in Rome.
- Ilaria Puri Purini curated the exhibition.
- The pairing follows 1990s Academy dialogues between Joseph Kosuth and Michelangelo Pistoletto, and David Hammons and Jannis Kounellis.
- Kamrooz Aram's dialogue with Griffa began in 2024 during his Academy residency, after Lorcan O'Neill suggested they meet.
- Aram traveled by train to Turin to spend about an hour with Griffa.
- The exhibition challenges the Western hierarchy placing decoration below painting, sculpture and drawing.
- Griffa cites Matisse's encounter with Islamic art and describes decoration as rhythm.
- Aram's process uses gesso, grids, oil pastels, solvent erasure and redrawing, leaving traces of earlier layers.
Entities
Artists
- Giorgio Griffa
- Kamrooz Aram
- Ilaria Puri Purini
- Joseph Kosuth
- Michelangelo Pistoletto
- David Hammons
- Jannis Kounellis
- Lorcan O'Neill
- Henri Matisse
- Beato Angelico
- Edward Said
Institutions
- American Academy in Rome
- White Cube
- San Marco
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Turin
- Florence
- Palermo
- New York
- United States