Giuseppe Penone's Bronze Trees to Install in Central Rome

Fendi is sponsoring a major exhibition of Giuseppe Penone at the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana in Rome's EUR district, opening January 27 and running through July 16. Curated by Massimiliano Gioni, 'Matrice' will feature historical works and site-specific pieces inside the Quadrato Colosseum, Fendi's headquarters since 2015. Simultaneously, a permanent outdoor installation titled 'Foglie di Pietra' will be placed in Largo Goldoni, in front of Fendi's central Rome palace. It consists of two bronze trees, 18 and 9 meters tall, accompanied by an 11-ton marble block. The work is expected to spark controversy over its visual impact on the historic center, but Rome's culture councilor Luca Bergamo has voiced strong support. Additionally, Penone will have a concurrent solo show 'Equivalenze' at Gagosian Gallery Rome, overlapping with the Arte Fiera Bologna weekend.