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Hilario Isola's 'Rurale' Explores High-Tech Agriculture at Guido Costa Projects

exhibition · 2026-04-27

Hilario Isola (Turin, 1976) showcases 'Rurale' at Guido Costa Projects in Turin, a solo exhibition that intertwines art with ecological themes through sculptures, drawings, and installations. The exhibition critiques the extensive technological changes in agriculture, utilizing symbolic imagery. A notable piece is the video 'Rurale,' a four-part symphony created with composer Enrico Ascoli, which translates agricultural movements into sound. Additional works, including 'Scarabeo,' 'Silos,' 'Vortice,' and 'Irrigatore,' incorporate anti-hail nets over historical etchings. Isola characterizes the project as a scientific journey involving multiple specialists, aimed at creating sculptures, sound videos, a book, and events. He cites Jules Verne to highlight the troubling state of modern farming, contrasted by new farmers who adopt permaculture practices. Isola's work 'Tempesta' is also featured in a group exhibition at Venaria Reale.

Key facts

  • Hilario Isola was born in Turin in 1976.
  • The exhibition 'Rurale' is held at Guido Costa Projects in Turin.
  • The video 'Rurale' was created with composer Enrico Ascoli.
  • The video uses organ pipes, rattles, and trumpets to sonify agricultural gestures.
  • Works include 'Scarabeo,' 'Silos,' 'Vortice,' and 'Irrigatore' made with anti-hail nets over etchings.
  • Isola's project involves agronomists, botanists, philosophers, musicians, and designers.
  • The project aims to produce sculptures, sound videos, a book, and events.
  • Isola's work 'Tempesta' is in the group show at Venaria Reale.
  • The group show is titled 'Una infinita bellezza. Il paesaggio in Italia dalla pittura romantica all’arte contemporanea'.
  • Isola's statement references Jules Verne and details agricultural crises.

Entities

Artists

  • Hilario Isola
  • Enrico Ascoli
  • Jules Verne
  • Bernd Becher
  • Hilla Becher

Institutions

  • Guido Costa Projects
  • Venaria Reale
  • Artribune
  • Galleria Valentina Bonomo

Locations

  • Turin
  • Italy
  • France
  • Rome

Sources