Alessandra Mussolini to Debut Painting Exhibition at Rome Gallery

Alessandra Mussolini, granddaughter of Benito Mussolini and former Italian politician, has taken up painting as a stress relief therapy and will debut her first solo exhibition titled 'Graffi' on February 5, 2015, at Galleria Plus Arte Puls in Rome. Mussolini, who had never painted before, began in September 2014 after buying acrylic paints and tools with her son Romano. She describes her process as intuitive, using spatulas, combs, and knives to apply color without premeditation. Her works are described as mediocre, semi-abstract landscapes with childish strokes and vibrant colors. The article also lists other politicians and public figures who painted, including Adolf Hitler, who was rejected from the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna; former US President George W. Bush; Italian politician Amintore Fanfani, who produced hundreds of landscapes and still lifes; and celebrities like Gina Lollobrigida, Romina Power, and Giorgio Faletti. Mussolini's family includes actress Sophia Loren (her aunt) and jazz pianist Romano Mussolini (her father), who also painted poorly.