Bologna, BOOMING 2025 conquers Palazzo Isolani: guide to the fair

From February 6 to 9, Bologna welcomes the fifth edition of BOOMing Contemporary Art Show, which this year moves to the majestic spaces of Palazzo Isolani, in a perfect combination of art, history and innovation. The fair, which has established itself as one of the most stimulating contemporary art events in Italy, embraces a concept of growth and transformation, choosing the BOOMing to represent a fair that evolves and expands in a spontaneous and unpredictable way. The choice of Palazzo Isolani, with its history and architecture blending medieval and Renaissance elements, is not accidental. The place becomes the perfect container for a content that rejects fixed categories and adapts to a constantly changing artistic expression. The rooms overlooking the churches of Santo Stefano and Vignola’s imposing spiral staircase become not only the stage but also the subject of an architectural and historical reflection, which is absorbed and reworked by the works on display. The fair itself becomes a creative greenhouse, where art is grafted, grows and develops, like plants that invade and enrich the spaces.

BOOMing 2025 is divided into four thematic sections, all interconnected by a common thread of stimuli and reflections on the contemporary world. Each section is accompanied by a main project, a series of exhibitions, talks, videos and meetings that together create a lively and dynamic cultural ecosystem. In addition, there are also four special projects, two awards and two off-fair events, enriching the offerings and expanding the impact of the event.

Ne(ur)ogenerative: young people and new languages

The Ne(ur)ogenerative section is dedicated to artists and curators Under 35 and opens with a performance by Dora Musola, a young talent from Verona who explores collective dynamics and transformation through the body. Her performance, Family Constellations, opens the fair on Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m., engaging the audience in an immersive experience that dissolves individuality in favor of a collective dimension.

The performance unfolds from Vignola’s majestic spiral staircase, creating a connection between physical and symbolic movement, and becomes the starting point for a reflection on the body and identity, a recurring theme in many of the works on display.

Social criticism and reflections on the value of art

Another protagonist of BOOMing 2025 is Luca Rossi, who takes a critical look at the contemporary art system, which is increasingly reduced to a speculative investment devoid of authentic value. His project TODAY TO REALLY SEE ANYTHING WE NEED TO HIDE IT is developed in a format that defies convention: a “Hidden Work” presented in the Elicoidi Main Section of Palazzo Isolani.

The press conference, scheduled for Feb. 7, is a moment of direct discussion with the public, where Rossi proposes a reflection on the value of art in the contemporary context, far from the logic of the market and hedonism.

Sustainability and spirituality in art

The Le Rampicanti section explores the relationship between art and nature, addressing issues of sustainability and reflection on human frailty. Thomas De Falco, a leading artist in this section, presents WO-MAN, a project that unfolds through a sculptural dress that is continually modified and adapted, symbolizing transformation and the eternal cycle of life. The project is accompanied by a series of performances and installations that invite reflection on the vulnerability and interconnectedness of humans and nature. Another important contribution to the section is made by Giulio Boccardi, who returns to BOOMing with the performance Sodality. Act I: Ritual. The project revolves around the symbol of the tree, which represents rebirth and hope, themes that find their expression in a series of ritual and symbolic actions. The performance, which has already taken place in Trentino, culminates in an act of reforestation that will involve participants in planting trees, promoting biodiversity. This final act, planned for June 2025, also makes a concrete contribution to environmental protection.

Interweaving, the special exhibition

One of the most anticipated exhibitions at the fair is Intrecci, which brings together the work of artists such as Thomas De Falco, Eva Fruci, Micc, Dora Musola, Leonardo Panizza, Monica Smaniotto and Nadia Tamanini. This exhibition explores the concept of weaving in all its forms, from textile to organic to digital. Each work is a small world that merges with the other, creating an intricate web of meanings and materials. The works range from videos that deal with ecological issues, such as those by Leonardo Panizza, to installations that reflect on our relationship with technology, such as those by Micc. Each piece expresses a tension between vulnerability and resistance, similar to the resilience of weeds that, unfortunately, grow unexpectedly in the most unexpected places.

Talk, performance & video program

BOOMing Contemporary Art Show also offers a series of talks, performances and video screenings that will accompany the fair over its four days. The program includes a reflection on the art of fashion, with the presentation of Fabrizio Modina’s Fashion Heritage Academy, and a talk on the communication of the new generations, curated by TIC Festival. In addition, the public will have the opportunity to attend body art performances and a series of meetings with artists, who will talk about their projects and artistic visions, creating a lively and continuous dialogue between art and the public.

The Helicoids: main section

The main section Le Elicoidi pays homage to art that knows no compromise, that evolves in perpetual motion, just like the propeller that wraps around itself, creating new worlds and new perspectives. In this section, we also find GEC’s AmbiguouSmile with EVERY EPOCH HAS ITS AMBIGUOUS SMILE, which explores the relationship between art and consumption through a series of environmental installations that invade urban space, bringing with them a critical reflection on contemporary society. In the Hall of Mirrors, Cesari Studio is exhibiting a group of artists of international caliber, including the already well-known Alessandro Giusberti, whose Baroque-influenced, Caravaggio-influenced painting explores realism with a recent evolution toward magical and dreamlike tones. Next to him, Brazil’s Branco, a self-taught artist, transforms his inner universe into works that combine abstract forms and zoomorphic and phytomorphic figures, recounting his personal connection with natural elements. Fabrizio Bonato ’s material painting and Titti Faranda’s bold sculptures complete the scene.

At first glance, in the entrance hall, we encounter the works of Federico Verdiani, who stands out for his ability to liberate beauty from all convention. Continuing into the Salone del Settecento, Milan-based ESH presents its style, strongly inspired by the Orient, in a visual dialogue with works by Leonardo Bartolini, Mauro Bellucci, Hiraoka Junpei, and Lee Kyouhong. The Sala del Cardinale, meanwhile, hosts a special project curated by Galatea Arte, combining the works of Paolo Loschi and Nadia Porcelli, in an encounter between intense paintings and delicate photographic shots. Also in the Sala del Cardinale, Bonobolabo presents a project highlighting two large formats by Stikki Peaches, accompanied by works by ZED1. Finally, in the Hall of Mirrors, Contemporary Artshop Roma offers a space to Michel Oz’s solo exhibition.

A BOOMing edition in growth and transformation.

BOOMing 2025 is a comprehensive experience that invites reflection, participation and change. The four thematic sections offer a rich and nuanced overview of what contemporary art is and can become, focusing on change, critique, and sustainability. With its commitment to innovation and inclusivity, BOOMing is confirmed as a must-attend event for art enthusiasts and anyone who wants to explore the frontiers of creativity on the international scene.

Practical information

Hours:

Thursday, February 6, 2025 7 p.m. - midnight

Friday, February 7, 2025 11:00 a.m. - midnight

Saturday, February 8, 2025 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 9, 2025 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Tickets:

12€ full, 10€ reduced

Bologna, BOOMING 2025 conquers Palazzo Isolani: guide to the fair

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