Felice Cimatti's Animal Studies at Fondazione Baruchello

The Fondazione Baruchello in Rome is hosting 'Studi', an exhibition of hybrid objects and drawings by philosopher Felice Cimatti, curated by Carla Subrizi and running until August 1. The show explores animality through assemblages of plastic animal figurines, maps, and boxes, reflecting Cimatti's research on the animal subject and the Anthropocene crisis. Cimatti, a professor at the University of Calabria and radio host, began collecting plastic animals at Porta Portese market about fifteen years ago, initially juxtaposing them with philosopher portraits. His works include painted maps and shadow boxes, with drawings of starling flocks capturing pure movement. The exhibition presents pieces from recent years, including maps and boxes, with installations arranged to suggest precariousness and transformation. Cimatti emphasizes the physicality of intellectual work and the manual process of composition, viewing his practice as a response to the enigma of animal life. The show originated from a 2016 conversation with journalist Monica D'Onofrio within a project by Gianfranco Baruchello.