Kunstner
Født i Cava de' Tirreni, Italy
Marinella Senatore: A Biography
Born: Cava de’ Tirreni, Italy (1977)
Current Residence: Rome and Paris
Nationality: Italian
Early Life and Education
Marinella Senatore's artistic journey began early, demonstrating a passion for various art forms.
She pursued studies in music, fine arts, and cinema, laying the foundation for her multidisciplinary approach.
This diverse education significantly shaped her unique style, blending different disciplines into a cohesive practice.
Artistic Career and Style
Senatore's artistic career is marked by extensive exhibitions across Italy and internationally, including prominent venues like the Museum of Contemporary Art in Rome, Kunstlerhaus Bethanien (Berlin), Matadero (Madrid), Quad (Derby), Castello di Rivoli (Turin), and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Santa Barbara.
Her work is characterized by a strong collective and participatory dimension, actively involving local communities in the creative process. This emphasis on community engagement is central to her artistic philosophy.
Style: Senatore's style seamlessly blends music, fine arts, and cinema, creating an innovative approach to art. Her pieces often incorporate performance elements and site-specific installations.
Themes: Common themes explored in her work include empowerment, social engagement, collective identity, and the transformative power of community rituals. She frequently addresses political issues through artistic expression.
Notable Works and Projects
Matinée (2013): Displayed at the Venice Biennale, this work exemplifies her large-scale participatory projects.
The Guitar Player: Currently on display at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, showcasing her artistic skill.
La Collezione Bonello (Malta): Featured in various group exhibitions, demonstrating her ability to integrate into diverse art collections.
The School of Narrative Dance (SOND): A nomadic, free-of-charge school founded in 2013, promoting emancipation, empowerment, and self-education through dance and storytelling. SONDS activities have taken place in over 23 countries involving about 8 million people.
Rosas (2012): An Opera in three acts conceived for the screen, a large participatory project involving over 20,000 participants across Germany, England, and Spain.
Awards, Residencies, and Recognition
Senatore has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Dena Foundation Fellowship, New York Prize, Fellowship at the American Academy in Rome, Gotham Prize, and MAXXI Prize.
She has participated in various residencies, such as the Ratti Foundation, Art Omi, ISCP (Brooklyn), Künstlerhaus Bethanien, and the American Academy in Rome.
Her work has garnered significant recognition within the contemporary art world, solidifying her position as an important figure known for her innovative approach to community engagement and artistic expression.
Museum
Udstillet i Milan, Italy
THAT'S CONTEMPORARY: A Milanese Hub for Contemporary Art
Milan, Italy – THAT’S CONTEMPORARY stands as a singular testament to the evolving landscape of Italian art. Founded in 2011, this innovative cultural platform isn’t merely documenting contemporary artistic endeavors; it actively cultivates an independent network connecting artists, galleries, and audiences—a deliberate departure from traditional museum models. Its mission is simple yet profound: to illuminate Milan's dynamic creative spirit and foster a deeper appreciation for modern art forms.
Mapping the Scene:
Launched as a response to the need for centralized artistic mapping, THAT’S CONTEMPORARY swiftly established itself as the go-to resource for discovering exhibitions and emerging talent within Milan.
Bridging Connections:
Unlike conventional institutions focused on preservation, THIS platform prioritizes engagement—facilitating dialogues between artists and collectors alike.
Collection Highlights & Artistic Explorations
While lacking a permanent collection in the traditional sense, THAT’S CONTEMPORARY offers visitors an immersive journey into Milanese contemporary art. The platform champions exhibitions showcasing diverse mediums—photography, sculpture, installation art—often featuring groundbreaking perspectives on societal issues and artistic experimentation. Notably, explorations of architectural spaces like Viafarini contribute to this experience, highlighting innovative approaches to gallery design and fostering stimulating conversations about artistic presentation.
Featured Works:
Among the showcased pieces are captivating artworks such as Gerhard Richter’s ‘Domplatz, Mailand,’ a masterful black & white photograph capturing Milanese grandeur—a testament to realism infused with aged aesthetic qualities.
Fashion Forward Inspiration:
Águeda Isabel Ruiz de la Prada’s ‘Dress with Synthetic-Suede Squares,’ presented during Milan Fashion Week, exemplifies the platform's commitment to showcasing artistic collaborations and pushing creative boundaries.
Notable Artists & Creative Voices
THAT’S CONTEMPORARY spotlights Italian artists who are shaping the future of art. Massimo Kaufmann, renowned for his expansive paintings, embodies the spirit of Milanese artistic tradition while simultaneously embracing innovation. Similarly, elisabetta gut's sculptures and installations delve into themes of confinement and fragility—reflecting a thoughtful engagement with contemporary concerns. Daniele Innamorato’s collaborative work as founder of Kings Collective underscores the platform’s dedication to fostering collective creativity and pushing artistic boundaries.
Viafarini: An Architectural Canvas
The Viafarini gallery complex serves as an integral part of THAT’S CONTEMPORARY's narrative. Designed by architect Marco Zanuso Jr., this building embodies Milanese architectural modernity—a space deliberately conceived to stimulate artistic dialogue and showcase experimental exhibitions. Its expansive layout encourages exploration and contemplation, mirroring the platform’s ethos of fostering engagement with cutting-edge art.
A Unique Perspective on Contemporary Art
THAT'S CONTEMPORARY distinguishes itself from conventional museums by prioritizing active participation and disseminating knowledge beyond physical walls. It operates as a dynamic online resource—a vibrant hub for artistic discovery—solidifying its position as an indispensable guide for anyone wishing to experience Milan’s flourishing contemporary art scene.
