ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Riccardo Previdi's Installation on Apathy at Quartz Studio

exhibition · 2026-05-04

Riccardo Previdi (born 1974, Milan) presents an installation at Quartz Studio in Turin that uses the story of David Philip Vetter (1971–1984), a boy with severe combined immunodeficiency who lived in a sterile bubble, as a metaphor for contemporary apathy. The work explores apathy among youth, in border politics, cyberbullying, complicated relationships, and adolescent friendships. NASA once designed a sterilized suit for Vetter, but it was unsuccessful. Previdi's installation invites viewers to participate in a communal, consolatory movement, allowing them to freely modify the narrative. The piece emphasizes understanding over applause. The exhibition is reviewed by Federica Maria Giallombardo.

Key facts

  • Riccardo Previdi was born in Milan in 1974.
  • The exhibition is at Quartz Studio in Turin.
  • David Philip Vetter lived from 1971 to 1984.
  • Vetter suffered from severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID).
  • NASA designed a sterilized suit for Vetter, without positive results.
  • Previdi's installation represents apathy of youth, border politics, cyberbullying, and relationships.
  • The work allows observers to participate in a communal consolatory movement.
  • The review is by Federica Maria Giallombardo.

Entities

Artists

  • Riccardo Previdi
  • David Philip Vetter

Institutions

  • Quartz Studio
  • NASA
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Milan
  • Italy
  • Turin

Sources