Giovanni de Cataldo: Rome's Urban Inspiration and Upcoming Projects

Giovanni de Cataldo (b. 1990, Rome) draws inspiration from Rome's urban landscape, incorporating elements like orange construction nets, public benches, gas station canopies, and the city's iconic 'nasoni' fountains. His studio is in the former Pastificio Cerere in San Lorenzo, a historic artist hub. De Cataldo also works with damaged guardrails, coating them in seductive materials while preserving their violent, Baroque forms. He discusses his fascination with Rome's daily grit over 'decoro,' citing a Francesco De Gregori lyric: 'cagna in mezzo ai maiali.' His work extends to football ultras, focusing on Millwall FC (Isle of Dogs) for his upcoming show at Gelateria Sogni di Ghiaccio in Bologna. He is creating 'Giraffa,' a semi-permanent 4.5m x 10m canopy installation in Bomarzo, inspired by 1950s Eni gas stations, designed as a community meeting point. The project, supported by La Dramaturgie and architect Tommaso Marenaci, opens in October. De Cataldo also works as a music author and consultant, balancing visual art and rap. He expresses skepticism about Rome's artistic ferment, noting Spazio In Situ in Tor Bella Monaca as a solid initiative.