Villa Medici Explores Oil's Dark Legacy in 'Sole nero' Exhibition
Running from 9 October 2026 to 18 January 2027 at Villa Medici in Rome, the exhibition 'Sole nero. Petrolio e arte contemporanea' delves into the impact of oil on modern art and society. Curated by Morad Montazami, Madeleine de Colnet, and Caroline Courrioux, this event is part of the French Academy's ongoing element cycle. It contrasts historical artists such as Robert Smithson and Ed Ruscha with contemporary creators like Monira Al Qadiri and Zina Saro-Wiwa. The exhibition comprises seven thematic sections, including 'Petrocene' and 'marea nera,' which explore oil's effects on culture, politics, and the environment, while also critiquing the ties between art institutions and the fossil fuel economy, raising questions about a potential 'post-oil' future.
Key facts
- Exhibition title: 'Sole nero. Petrolio e arte contemporanea' at Villa Medici, Rome.
- Dates: 9 October 2026 – 18 January 2027.
- Curators: Morad Montazami, Madeleine de Colnet (Zamân Books & Curating), and Caroline Courrioux.
- Part of the French Academy in Rome's cycle dedicated to the elements, started in 2022.
- Features historical artists: Robert Smithson, Nancy Holt, Robert Rauschenberg, Alberto Burri, Ed Ruscha.
- Features contemporary artists: Monira Al Qadiri, Zina Saro-Wiwa, Rossella Biscotti, Ana Alenso, Jumana Manna, Jessica Segall, Jala Wahid.
- Seven thematic sections include 'Petrocene', 'Petro-museo', and 'marea nera'.
- Introduces 'petro-melancholia' concept by Stephanie LeMenager.
Entities
Artists
- Morad Montazami
- Madeleine de Colnet
- Caroline Courrioux
- Robert Smithson
- Nancy Holt
- Robert Rauschenberg
- Alberto Burri
- Ed Ruscha
- Monira Al Qadiri
- Zina Saro-Wiwa
- Rossella Biscotti
- Ana Alenso
- Jumana Manna
- Jessica Segall
- Jala Wahid
- Stephanie LeMenager
Institutions
- Villa Medici
- Accademia di Francia a Roma
- Zamân Books & Curating
- BP
Locations
- Rome
- Italy