Giuseppe Penone’s upcoming exhibition at the Serpentine South, titled Thoughts in the Roots, runs from 3 April to 7 September and blends his artistic vision with London’s Royal Parks. The exhibition features outdoor sculptures such as Albero Folgorato (Thunderstruck Tree, 2012), which portrays a willow struck by lightning. Inside the gallery, works include Respirare l’ombra (To Breathe the Shadow, 1998), presenting a dynamic experience with laurel leaves enveloping the walls.

Penone explains, “When we speak, we breathe, we exhale… the breath itself is a form that we do not see”. Another notable piece, A Occhi Chiusi (With Eyes Closed, 2018), features a marble sculpture alongside thorny canvases, symbolising sensitivity and intimacy in nature.

He notes the exhibition offers a unique connection to nature not found in places like Versailles, emphasising intimacy despite the park’s vastness. Key pieces also include Gesti Vegetali (Vegetal Gestures, 1982-today) and Idee di Pietra-Ciliegio (Ideas of Stone-Cherry Tree, 2011), showcasing human and natural forms interlinked.

Penone reflects philosophically on accessibility, stating, “Everyone in the park can see the works… if the work is of interest to people passing through the park, it may indicate that the work can have a life of its own in time and space.”

With over 50 years of engaging with natural materials, Penone recalls creating Alpi Marittime as a young artist. Influenced by his childhood in a mountain village, he sought an individual approach centred on identity. Meeting critic Germano Celant, who coined the term Arte Povera, shaped Penone’s career significantly.

He shares mixed feelings about contemporary exhibitions of Arte Povera, acknowledging the challenges of contemporary large-scale art compared to the intimate works of the past. Regarding environmental concerns, he states that his focus is not on creating critical works but rather on expressing curiosity without political demagoguery.

The Thoughts in the Roots exhibition embodies Penone’s deep connection to nature and thought, inviting visitors to experience art interconnected with the natural world at Serpentine South.

Giuseppe Penone’s exhibition *Thoughts in the Roots* at Serpentine South merges art with London’s natural landscape. The display features outdoor and indoor sculptures promoting interaction with nature. Penone’s philosophy emphasises accessibility and intimacy, reflecting his long-standing engagement with natural forms. His artistic journey is informed by personal experiences and historical influences, resulting in a thoughtful exploration of art’s enduring nature.

Original Source: www.theartnewspaper.com

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