Claire Fontaine's Living Statues Invade Museo Pietro Canonica in Rome

Claire Fontaine, the Paris-based collective founded in 2004 known for ready-mades and institutional critique, presents three hyperrealistic sculptures at the Museo Pietro Canonica in Rome. The works are placed throughout the museum—in the collection hall, private apartments, and storage area—alongside neoclassical pieces by Pietro Canonica (1869–1959). Each floor features a different character: Ioda, an adult Pinocchio-like figure, and Guy Fawkes. The sculptures are so lifelike they appear to be street performers posing as living statues. Without labels, they disorient visitors, referencing the tradition of living statues and highlighting the strained, almost nonexistent relationship between Italy's museum system—rooted in a tourist-oriented approach—and international contemporary art. The exhibition is curated by Pier Paolo Pancotto and runs until August 7, 2016.