Donato Piccolo's robotic art questions human control at Modena show
Donato Piccolo's solo exhibition 'L'arte del pensiero meccanico' at Palazzo Santa Margherita in Modena presents fifty works blending robotics, AI, and physical phenomena. Curated by Lorenzo Respi and organized by Ago fabbriche culturali, the show features moving sculptures that interact with visitors, including a robotic replica of Leonardo da Vinci's 'Lady with an Ermine' and 'Butterfly Effect', a taxidermied butterfly revived by electronic impulses. Piccolo, born in Rome in 1976, collaborates with CNR engineers to create works exploring the boundary between human control and technological autonomy. The exhibition also includes paintings referencing Raphael, Caravaggio, and Antonello da Messina with contemporary inserts, plus preparatory drawings. Piccolo has previously exhibited at MAXXI Rome and Zhejiang Museum in China.
Key facts
- Donato Piccolo's solo exhibition 'L'arte del pensiero meccanico' is at Palazzo Santa Margherita in Modena.
- The show features fifty works combining robotics, AI, and physical phenomena.
- Curated by Lorenzo Respi and organized by Ago fabbriche culturali.
- Includes a robotic replica of Leonardo da Vinci's 'Lady with an Ermine' (1488-1490).
- 'Butterfly Effect' uses a taxidermied butterfly revived by electronic impulses.
- Piccolo was born in Rome in 1976.
- He collaborates with a team of engineers from CNR.
- Piccolo has exhibited at MAXXI Rome and Zhejiang Museum in China.
Entities
Artists
- Donato Piccolo
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Raphael
- Caravaggio
- Antonello da Messina
- Lorenzo Respi
Institutions
- Palazzo Santa Margherita
- Ago fabbriche culturali
- CNR
- MAXXI
- Museo nazionale di Zhejiang
Locations
- Modena
- Rome
- Zhejiang
- China