Nico Vascellari's 'Bisca' Turns Rome Basement into Illegal Gambling Den

From February 21 to March 21, 2018, Nico Vascellari (born 1976 in Vittorio Veneto) presents 'Bisca' at Basement Roma, a space run by CURA. curatorial duo Ilaria Marotta and Andrea Baccin. The project is an atypical solo show: not a traditional exhibition but a series of four clandestine happenings modeled after a fight club, each limited to 33 attendees by invitation or reservation. A fifth special event is planned but details remain undisclosed. 'Bisca' references illegal gambling dens where money, fate, and lives are risked. The work centers on numbers, chance, and dice—recurring themes in Vascellari's practice. He states that numerology has long fascinated him and that 'Bisca Vascellari' is partly a reflection on art and its market, though his primary concerns lie elsewhere. Basement Roma is a non-profit underground space, aligning with his trajectory. The rules of engagement will be decided by the artist and participants, possibly fluid and spontaneous. No photography or phone use is allowed; events can only be transmitted through storytelling and memory. Vascellari describes the acquisition of works as based on betting, generosity, and lightness, with each evening hosted by him, his studio team, and CURA. staff, plus special guests. The project is presented by Artribune, with the article written by Santa Nastro.