Ellsworth Kelly's Centenary Exhibition in Rome Traces Path to Abstraction
In Rome, the Fondazione Nicola Del Roscio is presenting the sole Italian exhibition of "Ellsworth Kelly. Line, Form, Color," organized by the Ellsworth Kelly Studio to commemorate the artist's 100th birthday (Newburgh, 1923 – Spencertown, 2015). This exhibition features a variety of works on paper, such as large botanical drawings, unpublished sketchbooks, and monochrome panels. It emphasizes Kelly's evolution towards abstraction and his fascination with 19th-century naturalism. Included are personal sketchbooks, thematic wall drawings focused on botanical themes, and painted aluminum panels from 1982. Influenced by Matisse and American Abstract Expressionism, the exhibition underscores the serial nature of his work and the authenticity rooted in natural forms.
Key facts
- Exhibition at Fondazione Nicola Del Roscio in Rome is the only Italian stop of a tour organized by Ellsworth Kelly Studio.
- Marks the centenary of Ellsworth Kelly's birth (1923–2015).
- Venue is a former Teatro Florida from the 1920s, elliptical space, foundation's Rome headquarters since 2019.
- Features large-format botanical drawings, previously unpublished sketchbooks, and monochrome panels.
- Kelly's graphic line shows naturalism from Paris years and drive toward abstraction.
- Drawings span sixty years of research until 2010, analyzing botanical forms.
- References include Matisse, Hans Arp, and American Abstract Expressionism.
- Includes 1982 painted aluminum panels originally a print project.
Entities
Artists
- Ellsworth Kelly
Institutions
- Fondazione Nicola Del Roscio
- Ellsworth Kelly Studio
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Newburgh
- Spencertown
- Paris