Bologna Art Week 2019: Paratissima, Fruit Exhibition, Set Up Fair

During Bologna Art Week 2019, alongside the renewed Arte Fiera, three collateral fairs offered distinct experiences. Paratissima, an emerging art format from Turin making its Bologna debut, was held at Ex Magazzini Romagnoli near Arte Fiera. Featuring 70 selected artists under the title "Expeausition," it explored the theme of skin through works by Alberto Saka, Sara Cinelli, and Andrea Giacoletto. At Palazzo Isolani, Fruit Exhibition focused on independent publishing and illustration, with talks, live drawing sessions by Mattia Labadessa, and exhibitors including Pica (cyanotype drawings), 5X Letterpress (handmade prints), and Wasabi Gummy Bears (tragicomic comics by Enrico Pierpaoli). Set Up Fair at Palazzo Pallavicini showcased emerging art inspired by the theme of Ithaca, emphasizing journey as destination. Works included Nicola Zamboni's sculptures "La Tessitrice" and "Barca dei Profughi" addressing immigration, Livio Ninni's paintings of Catanzaro on wood, and Thomas Scalco, presented by VILLA CONTEMPORANEA of Monza, who won the SetUp 2019 award for best artist under 35.