Palazzo Merulana in Rome Hosts Exhibition on Noses in Art

Palazzo Merulana in Rome presents 'Nasi per l'arte', an exhibition exploring the theme of noses and smell in art, running until May 21. Curated by Joanna De Vos and Melania Rossi, the show juxtaposes Italian and Belgian works from the 20th century and contemporary artists. The first section features historical pieces from the Cerasi Collection—including Giacomo Balla, Giorgio De Chirico, and René Magritte—alongside Belgian artists like Constant Permeke and Léon Spilliaert. The second section showcases 18 contemporary artists such as Maurizio Cattelan, Francis Alÿs, and Jan Fabre, whose works engage with the nose and senses. The exhibition is housed at Palazzo Merulana, a cultural space founded in 2018 by collectors Elena and Claudio Cerasi. The curators describe the project as originating from the meeting of two 'curatorial noses', seeking unexpected connections between Italian and Belgian art.