Patrizia Monterosso launches Fondazione RIV in Palermo with debut exhibition 'Spazio umano'

Patrizia Monterosso, the former Secretary General of the Sicily Region, has established a new contemporary art foundation in Palermo called Fondazione RIV. The name RIV is derived from the Latin terms 'res' and 'invisibilia', highlighting a commitment to the unseen and marginalized. Its inaugural exhibition, 'Spazio umano', takes place in the 16th-century San Mamiliano church, which was reconstructed after WWII and is provided by the Curia. This group exhibition showcases 12 artists, including Urs Lüthi and Mimmo Paladino, and explores themes of contemporary fragility and resilient humanism. Monterosso, who has a background in philosophy and regional governance, aims to foster intellectual discourse and artistic exploration, distancing from commercialized art events. The foundation receives backing from Fondazione Brodback, Fondazione Oelle di Catania, and social cooperative Pulcherrima Res, with a curatorial board that includes Gianluca Collica and Emanuela Lambion. Monterosso stresses community engagement and social accountability, in line with the UN 2030 Agenda, and plans to host exhibitions, residencies, and meetings across Sicily.