ROME, April 4, 2026 – The artistic universe of Pierluigi Isola is once again on display in the Eternal City with the exhibition “In umbra et luce” at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni. This marks a return for the artist after thirty years, following his participation in the XII Art Quadrennial in 1996.
A Comprehensive Look at Isola’s Artistic Journey
The retrospective, curated by Barbara Jatta, director of the Vatican Museums, showcases the maturity and artistic journey of Pierluigi Isola (Rome, 1958). His painting style combines meticulous attention to detail with emotional intensity, representing a profound dialogue between the tradition of great Italian painting and a contemporary sensibility capable of delving into the silence and light of places.
James Hillman, a psychologist and philosopher, when introducing the artist at the 54th Venice Biennale, spoke of the “melancholic beauty” of his works, capable of retaining the “slow gravity of time” and revealing an inner light.
Themes and Sections of the Exhibition
The exhibition is organized into sections that highlight the main subjects explored by Pierluigi Isola throughout his career. Prominently featured are his immense eucalyptus trees, rows of pines, and views of Rome. In these Roman landscapes, “the artist captures a midday, sharp light that outlines buildings and domes, giving the Eternal City an unprecedented physiognomy, almost as if it were named for the first time through light and shadow.”
Isola’s work spans from the ancestral landscapes of Maremma to the parched, almost desert-like scenes of Basilicata, and still lifes with a metaphysical flavor, balancing a Flemish-like obsession with detail and the teachings of Morandi.
Works on Paper and Creative Process
A dedicated section of the exhibition focuses on works on paper, particularly those from his latest research series, “Deserti,” created using mixed media. The exhibition is further enriched by preparatory drawings and prints conceived for commissions from the Vatican Apostolic Library and the Vatican Museums. This segment offers insight into the creative process behind his graphic works, from conceptualization and “rethinking” to the final print run.
The exhibition provides a unique opportunity to explore the depth and evolution of Pierluigi Isola’s artistic vision, offering viewers a journey through his diverse thematic and stylistic explorations.
The Palazzo delle Esposizioni is located in Rome, Lazio, Italy.
