Varotsos and Pistoletto Exhibitions Open at Galleria Giorgio Persano in Turin

On December 10, 2020, Galleria Giorgio Persano inaugurated its new space at Via Stampatori 4 in Turin with two solo exhibitions: Costas Varotsos's 'Europa 2' and Michelangelo Pistoletto's 'Comunicazione' series. Varotsos, born in Athens in 1955, presents a single installation of 27 shattered glass flags representing EU member states, evoking the fragility and crisis of European ideals. The work is accompanied by the quote 'La verità è sempre un’altra' (Truth is always another). Varotsos stated that the EU, though a brilliant idea, is threatened by centrifugal forces, and the destruction implies a possibility of renewal. Pistoletto, born in Biella in 1933, exhibits his mirror paintings (Quadri Specchianti) that reflect the gallery's courtyard, but depict figures isolated by their smartphones. The artist describes the works as non-apologetic and non-critical, simply documenting the current state of communication. He emphasizes the need to develop a new dimension connecting the positive and negative aspects of communication, balancing nature and artifice, and individual and society. The opening followed the postponement of the TAG – Torino Art Gallery event during the missed Turin Art Week.