This winter in Italy, lovers of Modern and Contemporary art will be spoilt for choice. Interesting art exhibitions are a bit like buses, nothing comes along for ages and then a whole load all appear at the same time. For me it’s going to be a difficult choice because I’d love to go to at least five of these mostre (exhibitions)! If you’re planning a winter break to il Bel Paese, or if you’re lucky enough to be living here already, let me tell you about just a few of the great art shows you might have a chance to enjoy:

 

Edward Hopper 

The Palazzo Reale in Milano is hosting an exhibition of work by one of the icons of 20th century American art: Edward Hopper (July 22, 1882 – May 15, 1967). The exhibition runs until the 24th of January 2010.

 

Chagall e il Mediterraneo

At the Palazzo Blu sul Lungarno, Pisa, you will find an exhibition of work by the Russian-French artist Marc Chagall (7 July 1887 – 28 March 1985). Chagall created a unique career in virtually every artistic medium, including paintings, book illustrations, stained glass, stage sets, ceramics, tapestries and fine art prints. The exhibition, which presents a broad range of Chagall’s work, runs until the 17th of January 2010.

 

Telemaco Signorini e la pittura in Europa

Definitely one of my favorite 19th century Italian artists, Signorini (August 18, 1835 – February 1, 1901), belonged to the group of artists known as the Macchiaioli, who were influenced by the French Impressionists. The exhibition, which takes place at the Palazzo Zabarella in Padova is on until the 31st of January 2010.

 

Boldini nella Parigi degli Impressionisti

Giovanni Boldini (December 31, 1842 – July 11, 1931) was an Italian genre and portrait painter belonging to the Parisian school. Boldini, who was responsible for probably the most famous portrait of the composer Giuseppe Verdi, was known as the “Master of Swish” because of his flowing style. You can see an exhibition of his masterpieces at the Palazzo dei Diamanti, Ferrara, until the 10th of January 2010.

 

Capolavori della Modernità

Works by many great 19th and 20th century artists, including Monet, Sisley, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Giacometti will be on show at the Mart, Rovereto until the 10th of January 2010. These works are on loan from the Kunstmuseum Winterthur in Switzerland which is partially closed for restoration.

 

Caravaggio-Bacon

I love the works of Caravaggio, but Francis Bacon’s paintings always make me think of a macelleria (butchers shop)! However this exhibition, which you can find at the Galleria Borghese in Roma until the 24th of January 2010, juxtaposes works by these two artists. Hmmm, interesting!

 

Steve McCurry

Millions of people the word over will be familiar with at least one of the works by this great American photojournalist (born February 24, 1950), even if they don’t recognize his name. He is perhaps best known for his striking image of Sharbat Gula, a 13 year old Afghan girl photographed by McCurry in a Pakistani refugee camp in 1984. The exhibition is on at the Palazzo della Ragione, Milano until the 31st of January 2010.

To discover the story behind this photo, have a look here: Afghan Girl