Art review: Violence in the domestic environment

 ROME-The Secret Apartments of Palazzo Doria Pamphilj is currently featuring the artist Silvia Giambrone for the exhibition “Sub Rosa.” The title of the show is taken from the Latin phrase, “sub rosa dicta, velata est” (spoken under the rose, it is hidden), a metaphor for hidden problems and traumas below the surface of the apparently perfect family.

 The exhibit incorporates the artist’s works throughout four rooms of the Palazzo. Some of the pieces are difficult to find while others are out in the open.

 Giambrone is an Italian artist who expresses her art though multiple mediums including performance, installation, sculpture, sound and video.  She states that her work “explores the politics and practices of the body, paying particular attention to the most subterranean forms of subjugation.” She also stated, “I believe violence is a language and that the domestic environment is the primary place where we are domesticated to the possibility of violence itself.”

 The exhibition was organized with the help of Princess Gesine Pogson Doria Pamphilj and Don Massimiliano Floridi. Some of the highlighted works in the show include “Preferisco la morte”(I prefer death)  and “Pillow.” “Preferisco la morte” being displayed here changes the meaning of the work rather than just displaying it on a white cube in a traditional gallery. The piece sat in her studio for 10 years until she found the right place. She stated, “It has been emphasized by the environment.” 

“Pillow” is another piece that stands out. The clear pillow is laid diagonally across a traditionally made bed. Inside the pillow you can see thorns which seem to reflect violence hidden in the domestic setting.

 When asked what it was like to work in this atmosphere she stated, “It felt quite natural to work in a place like this, the ideal domestic environment. Like doll houses which are small representations of this kind of environment, and children get domesticated when they play with those toys, about how they are supposed to be and how certain objects are compliant somehow to a specific order of reality. So to me, it goes from a personal level to a historical level in a place like this.”

 Among the works is the video of the artist’s performance, “Perche poi sara troppo tardi” (Why then is it too late), which was performed on Nov. 14 of this year at Ospitale Santa Francesca Romana. After a visit to the hospital where she was inspired by the mysticism of Saint Francesca Romana (1384-1440), she based her performance on the study of diverse texts from the 20^th century that draw on Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, secular, and atheist cultures but all find a common denominator in mystical love.

 The books include, “A noi resta le parole” (What are we left with), written by Azdyn Amimur, father of one of the Bataclan terrorists, and George Salines, father of one of the Bataclan victims. That book was inspired by the writings of Clarice Lispector, a Ukrainian-born Brazilian writer, who also inspired the title for the performance, “Perche poi sara troppo tardi.”

 The secret apartments in the Palace are worth the visit by themselves. They give you an idea of how the noble family lived in the 17^th century. Each room represents the four elements of earth, wind, water and fire. The rooms are filled with historic furniture, wall and ceiling frescos, paintings and sculptures. One of the main highlights is Diana’s bath in the final room which is modeled after Pompeian art.

 The exposition will run from Dec. 3 - March 29 and is located at Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, Via del Corso, 305, Roma. Tickets for the show can be purchased onsite.