Italian Newbrow: Apocalyptic Figurative Painting in Bologna
The exhibition 'Italian Newbrow. Apocalittica' at Labs Gallery in Bologna explores figurative painting through the lens of apocalypse as revelation. Curated by Ivan Quaroni, the show presents works that reclaim narrative readability, which Quaroni argues has been lost in much recent art. The paintings operate on two levels: a clear narrative surface and a deeper, citational layer referencing art history and societal critique. Artists include Giuseppe Veneziano, who directly quotes Salvador Dalí and the poster for Michelangelo Antonioni's film 'Blow Up'; Paolo De Biasi, whose work evokes Metaphysical painting; Giuliano Sale, referencing Francis Bacon; and Vanni Cuoghi, drawing on medieval iconography including the seven-headed beast from the Book of Revelation. Silvia Argiolas depicts prostitutes and marginalized figures, while Laurina Paperina fills her canvas with grotesque, recognizable characters. The exhibition runs at Labs Gallery in Bologna, Italy.
Key facts
- Exhibition titled 'Italian Newbrow. Apocalittica' at Labs Gallery in Bologna.
- Curated by Ivan Quaroni.
- Focuses on figurative painting with a narrative first level and a citational second level.
- Artists include Giuseppe Veneziano, Paolo De Biasi, Giuliano Sale, Vanni Cuoghi, Silvia Argiolas, Laurina Paperina.
- Veneziano references Dalí and the 'Blow Up' poster.
- De Biasi evokes Metaphysical painting.
- Sale references Francis Bacon.
- Cuoghi uses medieval iconography including the seven-headed beast from the Apocalypse.
Entities
Artists
- Giuseppe Veneziano
- Salvador Dalí
- Paolo De Biasi
- Giuliano Sale
- Francis Bacon
- Vanni Cuoghi
- Silvia Argiolas
- Laurina Paperina
- Ivan Quaroni
Institutions
- Labs Gallery
- Artribune
Locations
- Bologna
- Italy