Perino & Vele celebrate 30-year career with 'Our Myths' at Galleria Anna Marra

The Italian artistic duo Perino & Vele, formed by Emiliano Perino (New York, 1973) and Luca Vele (Rotondi, 1975), present their exhibition 'Our Myths' at Galleria Anna Marra in Rome, running until February 8, 2025. The show marks thirty years of their collaboration and returns to the same gallery a decade after their solo show 'Handle with Care'. The duo, who live and work in Rotondi (Avellino), are known for their experimentation with papier-mâché, a material they began using due to limited financial means. Their career gained international recognition when they exhibited at the 48th Venice Biennale in 1999, curated by Achille Bonito Oliva, with the work 'Pelle d'elefante' (1998). Harald Szeemann selected them after a studio visit. The exhibition 'Our Myths' explores contemporary myths—accessible figures like Maradona, Totò, and Raffaella Carrà—contrasting them with ancient, unattainable myths. Works include a Fiat 500, a symbol of Italian design, and a piece referencing Luciano Fabro and Arte Povera. The duo emphasizes their use of recycled printed paper, which they grind and mix without adding pigment, and their commitment to counter-information through socially engaged themes, such as the Porton Down project on animal testing. They also highlight the importance of irony and playfulness in their work.