Paolo Canevari Interview: 1990s Art Scene and Roman Identity

In an interview with Artribune, Italian artist Paolo Canevari reflects on his career, the 1990s art scene in Italy, and his move to New York. His first group show was at Studio Coronari in Rome in 1988, followed by his first solo show at Wessel-O'Connor gallery in New York in 1989. He participated in the 1992 exhibition 'Small Medium Large' at Centro Pecci, curated by Cristiana Perrella, who is now the director of the same institution. Canevari discusses the rivalry between Milan and Rome in the 1990s, noting Milan's 'barely concealed racism' toward Roman artists and the dominance of Flash Art and Tema Celeste magazines in shaping reputations. He moved to Milan in 2002 for his solo show 'Colosso' at Galleria Stein, featuring a performance where he carried a tire sculpture of the Colosseum. After living in Amsterdam and New York (until 2015), he now resides in Rome and teaches at the Accademia di Belle Arti. His work often incorporates Roman symbols like the she-wolf and Colosseum, evolving into a less symbolic, more 'zen' style. He also collaborated with writer Andrea Camilleri on the book 'I Tacchini non ringraziano', featuring drawings from his 'Memoria Mia' series.