Nicola Verlato on Figurative Painting, Mythology, and His New Milan Show
Nicola Verlato, a 1965 Verona native residing in the United States, is currently showcased in a solo exhibition titled 'Recent Highlights' at Galleria Bonelli in Milan. This exhibition features a portrait of Iggy Pop, a four-meter charcoal study intended for a mausoleum honoring Pier Paolo Pasolini in Ostia, among other pieces. Verlato's artistic exploration delves into the relationship between traditional arts and new media, crafting what he describes as 'contemporary myths.' Additionally, he participates in the group exhibition 'Pittura italiana oggi' at Triennale Milano, which commenced in October, displaying 'Hostia.' In a recent interview, he reflects on the marginalization of Italian figurative painting, commends curator Damiano Gullì, and discusses his myth-making theory inspired by Nietzsche. Included in the exhibition is 'Assassinio di Christopher Marlowe-P. P. Pasolini.'
Key facts
- Nicola Verlato (born 1965 in Verona) is the subject of solo exhibition 'Recent Highlights' at Galleria Bonelli in Milan.
- The show includes a portrait of Iggy Pop, a charcoal study for a Pasolini mausoleum frieze, and other works.
- Verlato is also in 'Pittura italiana oggi' at Triennale Milano with the work 'Hostia'.
- The interview was published by Artribune in December 2023.
- Verlato criticizes the ostracism of Italian figurative painting despite its tradition.
- He praises curator Damiano Gullì and mentions Susan Hudson's book 'Painting Now'.
- Verlato's theory of myth-making is influenced by Nietzsche's 'The Birth of Tragedy'.
- He chose Pasolini as a subject because he is Italy's most powerful mythology in 50–60 years.
- Verlato aims to build a mausoleum at Pasolini's death site to protect the territory.
- His working method involves chaotic sketches and 3D models in clay, plasticine, or computer.
- The painting 'Assassinio di Christopher Marlowe-P. P. Pasolini' merges Pasolini's murder with Marlowe's.
- Verlato describes media as a gaseous cloud where dense narratives condense into physical objects.
Entities
Artists
- Nicola Verlato
- Iggy Pop
- Pier Paolo Pasolini
- James Dean
- Michael Jackson
- Robert Dowson
- Christopher Marlowe
- Damiano Gullì
- Susan Hudson
- Friedrich Nietzsche
- Richard Wagner
Institutions
- Galleria Bonelli
- Triennale Milano
- Artribune
Locations
- Verona
- Italy
- Milan
- Ostia
- Los Angeles
- United States
- New York
- England