Next week, we are heading to Torino to participate in the Artissima Art Fair, taking place from the 3rd to the 5th of November, 2023. Artissima is set to captivate art enthusiasts and collectors once again worldwide. What defines this fair is its commitment to presenting works of high quality and pushing the boundaries of artistic exploration. As it celebrates its 30th edition, Artissima remains a standout event on the international stage, distinguishing itself as the only Italian fair exclusively dedicated to contemporary art.
If you want to enrich your Artissima experience further, we’ve prepared a curated selection of events and exhibitions happening in Torino during the fair. They will, without doubt, add depth to your visit and provide a comprehensive immersion in the vibrant cultural scene of Torino.
Artissima 2023
OVAL Lingotto Fiere
via Giacomo Mattè Trucco, 70 null
Torino
The 2023 edition of Artissima is structured around various sections, each offering a unique perspective on contemporary art. The fair is divided into four flagship sections: Main Section, Monologue/Dialogue, New Entries, and Art Spaces & Editions. Complementing these are three curated sections: Present Future, Back to the Future, and Disegni, which will be presented both in the physical space of the fair and in the digital realm through Artissima Voice Over.
One exciting thematic thread unites these diverse sections: RELATIONS OF CARE. Inspired by a thought-provoking essay by Brazilian anthropologist Renzo Taddei, this concept introduces a profound perspective on the intersection of art, knowledge, and human connections.
Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo
Via Modane 16
10141 Torino
Two new exhibitions will open on the 2nd of November at Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo. One is Paulina Olowska’s ‘Visual Persuasion’, which delves into the intricate dynamics of desire and eroticism, reframed through a distinctly female perspective. This exhibition offers a captivating anthology of Olowska’s existing and newly created works, thoughtfully interwoven with a selection of pieces from the Sandretto Re Rebaudengo collection, meticulously curated by Olowska. ‘Visual Persuasion’ serves as an ever-changing stage, a space inhabited by guests and ghosts, fostering a multifaceted, polyphonic, and immersive experience. Moreover, on the opening night, the artist will present a new performance featuring singer Pat Dudek revisiting and developing the Naughty Nymphs project that first premiered in 2022 at the Art Institute of Chicago.
On the occasion of Artissima 2023, there is also another exhibition, ‘Vestiges’, a solo show by Peng Zuqiang, the recipient of the “Illy Present Future 2022 Prize”. The exhibition offers a unique lens through which we contemplate the emotions and vulnerabilities inherent in the human form, allowing us to penetrate the realm of memory, both at the individual and collective level. Peng Zuqiang’s interpretation of memory departs from the traditional notion of an orderly archive, efficient for storing and retrieving information. Instead, he views memory as a complex tapestry of ambiguous traces, inviting us to explore the intricate interplay of stories, bodies, and language.
Fondazione Merz
via Limone 24
10141 Torino
From 30th October to 28th January 2024 you can visit Khalil Rabah’s exhibition ‘Through the Palestinian Museum of Natural History and Humankind’ at Fondazione Merz. The exhibition offers a thought-provoking journey curated by Claudia Gioia. Khalil Rabah, born in Jerusalem in 1961, presents a captivating project that expands upon the concept of the Palestinian Museum of Natural History and Humankind (PMNHH). This evolving project explores the transformation of nomadic existence and the notion of the incomplete, turning them into essential elements for questioning the roles of museums in shaping cultural identities and narratives.
Pinacoteca Agnelli
Via Nizza, 230,
10126 Torino
While in Torino, don’t miss out on Thomas Bayrle’s ‘Form Form Superform’ exhibition. This retrospective showcases the artist’s remarkable body of work that played a pivotal role in shaping the art landscape of his post-war generation. Since the 1960s, Bayrle has been a chronicler of recurring themes – labour, power, economics, and religion – intricately weaving narratives that explore the interplay between individual and collective dynamics in society. The exhibition invites you to immerse yourself in the artist’s primary concerns and iconic creations. The exhibition is open until April 2, 2024.
GAM – Galleria Civica d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea di Torino
Via Magenta 31
10129 Torino
GAM presents an extraordinary exhibition dedicated to one of the most influential artists in the development of contemporary performative practices, artist Simone Forti. The showcase explores the connection between two of Forti’s historical works from the early 1970s: ‘Bottom’ (1973), a video, and ‘Illuminations’ (1972), a series of four drawings. These pieces revolve around the interplay of movement and sound, reflecting how they resonate with and influence one another. The exhibition offers a remarkable insight into Forti’s artistry and her exploration of the relationship between visuals and sound and will be displayed until April 2, 2024.
OGR Torino
Corso Castelfidardo 22,
10128 Torino
Two new exhibitions will open on 3rd November in OGR Torino. The first is titled ‘Tainted Lovers,’ by Sara Enrico, a solo presentation and testament to artistic innovation and creative exploration. The exhibition assembles a collection of works meticulously crafted through the artful manipulation of diverse materials such as fabric, concrete, and foam rubber. Her art invites visitors to question their preconceived perceptual categories, immersing them in a sensory experience almost tactile in nature.
Another grand opening on Friday night, 3rd November is American artist Sarah Sze’s ‘METRONOME’ exhibition. Her installation shows the multifaceted nature of her artistic vision, honed since the late 1990s, which actively challenges the static essence of sculpture and mirrors the information explosion characterizing our contemporary world. Her art appears to navigate and reshape the relentless visual stimuli of modern life, drawing from an array of objects and the proliferation of images.
Photo on the cover: Artissima 2021, © Photo: Perottino-Piva/ Artissima
