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Nicola L. Retrospective Debuts in Italy at Museion Bolzano

exhibition · 2026-04-26

The Museion in Bolzano is hosting the inaugural Italian retrospective of Nicola L. (Morocco, 1932 – USA, 2018), under the curation of Leonie Radine. This exhibition, spanning five decades, comprises approximately 80 pieces that challenge societal and political conventions. On the third floor, visitors can find 'Same Skin for Same Body' (1975), featuring 'pénétrables' such as 'Sun & Moon Giant Pénétrables' (1996) and 'Fur Room' (1970/2020). The fourth floor displays anthropomorphic sculptures and furniture, including 'Femmes Commodes' (1969–2014) and 'Woman Ironing Table #1' (2005). This event, organized by Museion in collaboration with Camden Art Centre, Frac Bretagne, and Kunsthalle Wien, is part of the 'THE SOFTEST HARD' research initiative, with exhibition design by Studio Manuel Raeder.

Key facts

  • First Italian retrospective of Nicola L. at Museion Bolzano
  • Curated by Leonie Radine with about 80 works
  • Exhibition runs across two floors of the museum
  • Includes iconic pénétrables like 'Same Skin for Same Body' (1975) and 'Sun & Moon Giant Pénétrables' (1996)
  • Term 'pénétrables' coined by Pierre Restany in 1968
  • Features 'Femmes Fatales' series (2006) and performance documentation
  • Fourth floor displays anthropomorphic furniture critiquing gender roles
  • Produced with Camden Art Centre, Frac Bretagne, and Kunsthalle Wien
  • Part of Museion's 'THE SOFTEST HARD' research program
  • Exhibition design by Studio Manuel Raeder

Entities

Artists

  • Nicola L.
  • Pierre Restany

Institutions

  • Museion
  • Camden Art Centre
  • Frac Bretagne
  • Kunsthalle Wien
  • Studio Manuel Raeder

Locations

  • Bolzano
  • Italy
  • Morocco
  • United States
  • London
  • Rennes
  • Vienna

Sources