Sterling Ruby's Dual Rome Exhibitions Confront Ecological Collapse and Baroque Opulence

Sterling Ruby (b. 1972) presents two concurrent exhibitions in Rome: 'Future Present' at Gagosian and a site-specific intervention at Galleria Doria Pamphilj. At Gagosian, the installation features fiberglass, wood, spray paint, and laminate droplets on Formica pedestals, each monochrome sculpture representing a theme: Total Carbon (light green), Urine (yellow), Circulatory System (blood red), Water (blue), Oil (black), and Green Peace (dark green). The works form a choral system addressing imminent ecological and civilizational collapse. The DRFTRS series (2013–ongoing) comprises watercolors on canvas with cardboard cutouts of human and animal bones, inspired by imperial ruins, each featuring a skewed rainbow questioning the meaning of beauty in a lifeless world. At Galleria Doria Pamphilj, Ruby's intervention 'WIDW. CRASH CULTURE.' (2021) occupies the Toletta di Venere, a usually inaccessible room rich with brocades and grotesques, opening a breach to an accelerating external world. The painting contrasts yet aligns with the Baroque aesthetic of abundance. 'BONNET (7483)' (2020), a ceramic sculpture with bronze patina, verdigris, and amber reflections, shines like mother-of-pearl. Both exhibitions run until December 19, 2021.