Reception Rome Opens in Prati with Jesus Benavente's 'Ecce Hombre'

A new independent art space, Reception Rome, has opened at Via Cosseria 3 in Rome's Prati district, directed by Jean Jacques du Plessis and Ilaria Ortensi. Its inaugural exhibition, 'Ecce Hombre' by American artist Jesus Benavente, unfolds in five chapters through December 19, 2025. The show is inspired by Nietzsche's 'Ecce Homo' and explores beauty, failure, and survival. Until October 11, Benavente presents works from his residencies at the Chinati Foundation in Marfa, Texas, and the Judd Foundation, including a mural from his 'Miraculous Muralismo' series created with a weed whacker and cut flowers, concrete blocks imprinted with roses referencing Donald Judd's structures, and an AI-generated video. Subsequent chapters include neon works, a re-installation of the 'Sad Party' series with a playlist and police video projections, and more. Benavente, born in San Antonio, Texas, to Mexican immigrant parents, addresses faith, police authoritarianism, national identity, and labor, using humor and embracing futility. He states, 'Failure in art wasn't about self-loathing but being ambitious while recognizing limits.'