Clouds never say hello by Gabriele Picco, Hotel Eden, Rome

In conversation with

Clouds of Eden by Gabriele Picco

November 15, 2022

We’re delighted to showcase the poetic creations of Gabriele Picco. Considered to be one of the most eclectic artists on the Italian contemporary art scene, hear about his latest exhibition at Hotel Eden.

Introducing Gabriele Picco

My Clouds of Eden exhibition in Rome is the result of a partnership between Hotel Eden and Roma Arte in Nuvola, the international modern and contemporary art fair. It’s one of the fair’s special projects aimed at attracting a wider audience of art enthusiasts, courtesy of art historian and contemporary art curator Valentina Ciarallo. For me personally, it’s a great opportunity to be part of such an innovative art programme and to see my work in such beautiful surroundings.

Bit of background

I was born in Brescia, Northern Italy, and I’ve loved drawing ever since I was a child. I always knew I wanted to be an artist. My uncle was an architect and would sign his own work so, at the age of nine, I began copying him by proudly signing my own pictures! After receiving a Master’s Degree in Art History from Milan’s Università Statale, I went on to draw, paint and sculpt professionally. I’ve won many awards and exhibited at major galleries and museums around the world, but I’m always on the lookout for a fresh artistic challenge.

Clouds never say hello, 2022, by Gabriele Picco, rose marble

Cloud Dyane by Gabriele Picco, Hotel Eden, Rome

Ideas and inspiration

My inspiration can come from just about anywhere or anything. As a child, I remember watching Stanley Kubrik’s 2001: A Space Odyssey and being inspired to paint a picture. As a teenager, I developed an interest in art history and 17th century painters, before being drawn to Chagall, Kirchner, Klee and Picasso, and later to Damien Hirst and Italian satirical cartoonist Giorgio Forattini. I’m currently focusing on featuring icons in my work as a way of commenting our society – I find this concept fascinating.

Clouds of Eden

Classic cars from the second half of the 20th century are at the centre of my playful exhibition at Hotel Eden’s La Libreria lobby lounge. Miniature replicas of a Citroën Dyane, Fiat 500, Fiat 124, Renault 4 and Citroën DS are on show, each with a ‘fluffy cloud’ strapped to their roof. The idea is to offer a surreal way of highlighting the juxtaposition of lightness and heaviness. You can also see my series of colourful sculptured ‘floating clouds’, accompanied by little birds carrying messages in their beaks.

Clouds never say hello, 2022, by Gabriele Picco, Rome

Gabriele Picco’s Clouds of Eden is on show at Hotel Eden from November 15 – 23. Do stop by and let us know what you think.

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