Most people don’t think of Rome when they think of contemporary art, this being the town that gave birth to the classical and the baroque. The National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art here exhibits works from the 19th century to Warhol. MACRO, Rome’s contemporary art museum, is growing but lies off the beaten track and offers little to the visitor from anywhere more cosmopolitan. Is Rome simply a relic of the antique or does it live and breathe in the 21st century? And if it is alive, does it still inspire?
The artist Fausto Delle Chiaie has devoted himself to creating an exhibition that is not only part of the urban landscape but reflects the everyday realities of a modern, bustling city – the traffic, the litter, the legacy of a grand past that is so obviously prostituted. Chiaie’s Open Air Museum is as well-conceived as it is accessible to both Roman and visitors (descriptions are in English as well as Italian). Works of art are created from everyday objects (including the artist himself!) and situated all’ aperta along a Roman street. The thought-provoking exhibit has been located by the Tomb of Augustus since 1988, but can now be found atop a low wall descending down the charming Via di Monte Brianzo, which becomes Via Condotti, offering a sweeping view across the Campo Marzo and up the Spanish Steps.
The artist is usually on-site and will be happy to talk to you – you might even get an autographed drawing. As the exhibition located on the street, it is free to all, but of course donations are always appreciated. Enjoy!