Body positivity and body shaming: an exhibition reflects on these themes through 20th century and contemporary works

From February 26 to April 16, 2022, the de’ Bonis Gallery in Reggio Emilia presents the group exhibition The Body Does Not Lie. The soul beyond the body in modern painting.

Important artists of the 20th century will be involved through their works in the exhibition, such as Renato Guttuso, Fausto Pirandello, Mario Tozzi, Emilio Greco, Franco Rognoni and Alberto Manfredi, along with contemporary artists, such as Nicola Samorì, Hyena and Massimo Lagrotteria. These are works that depict imperfect, asymmetrical and disharmonious bodies; bodies that are real, carnal and real.

A first level of reading of these works refers back to body positivity, inviting the viewer to reconsider the very concept of beauty and to question whether art should always be a source of beauty and, more importantly, of what model of beauty. A second, deeper level of reading is intended to lead instead to an understanding of how these bodies are an access to the soul: the body understood as a vehicle for emotions to shine through.

“The difference between the female images we see today and the ones that animate this exhibition,” explain gallery owners Stanislao de’ Bonis and Margherita Fontanesi, "lies in the fact that the current female aesthetic model is created by the world of fashion and consumerism and is therefore objectified and often sexualized to sell a product. The way these artists portray women, on the other hand, does not reduce them to objects, consumer goods or property, but seeks to understand their essence, bringing art closer in this to most spiritual traditions."

Interviews with professionals from the worlds of art, fashion, the humanities and social sciences, politics and business are scheduled throughout the opening of the exhibition, and they will engage with gallery owners on the theme of the exhibition from the works on display. The interviews will be posted on the gallery’s website and broadcast on social channels.

For more info: www.galleriadebonis.com

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.; Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free admission.

Image: Nicola Samorì, Head (2007; mixed media on paper, 50 x 70 cm approx.)

Body positivity and body shaming: an exhibition reflects on these themes through 20th century and contemporary works

Warning: the translation into English of the original Italian article was created using automatic tools. We undertake to review all articles, but we do not guarantee the total absence of inaccuracies in the translation due to the program. You can find the original by clicking on the ITA button. If you find any mistake,please contact us.