Andrea Pazienza retrospective 'Fino all'estremo' opens in Bologna after 24 years

After a 24-year absence, a major retrospective dedicated to Andrea Pazienza (1956-1988) opens at Palazzo Albergati in Bologna. Titled 'Fino all'estremo,' the exhibition features over 100 original works from private archives, curated by ARF! Festival. It coincides with Art City Bologna and runs until September 26, 2021. The show highlights Pazienza's iconic characters—Pentothal, Zanardi, Pompeo, and President Pertini—and includes historical photographs by Enrico Scuro that contextualize his work within the turbulent late 1970s. Pazienza moved to Bologna in 1974 to study at DAMS, launching his career with 'Le straordinarie avventure di Pentothal' on Alter Alter in 1977. He co-founded the Primo Carnera Editore and the magazine Cannibale with Filippo Scòzzari, Stefano Tamburini, Massimo Mattioli, and Tanino Liberatore. He later contributed to Il Male and co-founded Frigidaire with Vincenzo Sparagna, where Zanardi debuted. Pazienza died of a heroin overdose in Montepulciano on June 16, 1988. His works have been published by numerous houses, with a recent complete works edition by Coconino Press.