Michelangelo Pistoletto's Biella Exhibition Explores Family Legacy

Michelangelo Pistoletto presents 'Padre e figlio' at Palazzo Gromo Losa in Biella, juxtaposing his own works with those of his father, realist painter Ettore Pistoletto Olivero (1898–1981). The exhibition includes Ettore's cycle on wool working and still lifes, alongside Michelangelo's black-background paintings, 'Metamorfosi' installation, and a mirrored room intertwining the words 'father' and 'son'. For the first time, Ettore's ten large graffiti commissioned by Ermenegildo Zegna to narrate the art of wool are displayed publicly. In an interview, Michelangelo discusses generational legacy, stating 'we transform DNA but we receive it, we don't create it from zero.' He contrasts his 'Quadri specchianti' (mirror paintings) with selfies, noting the former involve participation and diffused authorship. He rejects the term 'guerrilla' from Arte Povera's manifesto, favoring 'proposal' over protest. The exhibition runs at Palazzo Gromo Losa, Biella.