Davide Balula at Gagosian Roma: Bacteria, Fire, and Sensory Art

Davide Balula's solo exhibition at Gagosian Roma features a sensory journey including the work 'Idle Hands'—a metal sphere visitors hold while walking—and new 'Burnt Paintings' installed to challenge gravity. Balula, born in Vila Dum Santo in 1978, has a background in experimental music and has collaborated with Michelin-starred chefs, dancers, and pickpockets. His 2014 work 'Shit and Die' in Turin used 10 tons of soil. Fascinated by genetics, biotechnology, and digital transmission, Balula explores the gap between perception and reality. For the European Heritage Days (19-24 September), his sculpture 'Iron Levels' will be displayed at the Biblioteca Angelica in Rome. Balula discusses his influences: bacteria, private life events, and undiscovered things. He sees performance as an intimate yet shared experience. His interest in fire connects to historical artists like Alberto Burri and Yves Klein, but he emphasizes overcoming gender biases. Collaborating with chef Daniel Burns, he created 'Painting the Roof of your Mouth (Ice cream)' using bacteria. Balula is grateful for scientific advances but wary of corporate control. He joined Gagosian through director Serena Cattaneo Adorno, who supported challenging projects.