The solo exhibition And Rose by Monica Bonvicini is currently on view at the deconsecrated Church of San Carlo in Cremona, Italy, and will run until January 12th, 2025. This site-specific installation explores the intersection of art, architecture, and power dynamics, presenting a bold commentary on the re-appropriation of public and sacred spaces.
At the heart of the exhibition are monumental sculptures from Bonvicini’s Chainswings series, crafted from galvanized steel chains. These works challenge traditional expectations by blending industrial aesthetics with subcultural references, oscillating between notions of playfulness and submission. Through these interactive sculptures, Bonvicini invites visitors to physically engage with the works, transforming the audience from passive viewers to active participants.
The choice of a deconsecrated church amplifies the tension between sacred and profane, creating a compelling dialogue between institutional authority and subversion. This setting enhances Bonvicini’s ongoing critique of power structures, as the exhibition examines feminism, sexuality, and institutional criticism in a desacralized yet resonant space.
A special highlight of the program is the In Dialogue performance on December 11th, 2024, featuring Margret Koell on the triple harp. The performance bridges historical and contemporary musical traditions, complementing the themes of And Rose with compositions ranging from Bach to Sakamoto.
Through And Rose, Bonvicini masterfully integrates architecture, art, and viewer interaction, making a powerful statement on the fluid boundaries between public spaces and social critique.
All photography courtesy of MONICA BONVICINI and VG BILD-KUNST/SIAE
