From October 9, 2024, to January 20, 2025, the Bourse de Commerce in Paris is hosting a grand exhibition dedicated to the Arte Povera movement, offering a unique opportunity to explore this Italian contemporary art movement within one of Paris' most beautiful historic sites. The exhibition highlights works from thirteen of the most influential Arte Povera artists, providing an immersive experience into this radical movement of the 1960s.
A Journey into Arte Povera
Arte Povera, or "poor art," emerged in Italy in the 1960s. Breaking away from classical and modern art conventions, the movement embraces raw and unconventional materials such as wood, metal, glass, and everyday objects. The Bourse de Commerce exhibition, specially designed to fill its vast spaces, features an impressive selection of 250 works. Visitors can witness the conceptual and poetic approach of Arte Povera, symbolized by "Idee di pietra—1532 kg di luce" by Giuseppe Penone, installed at the exhibition’s entrance. This sculpture, made from bronze and river stones, reflects the fusion between nature and culture, a hallmark of this artistic movement.
A Tour Through the Iconic Spaces of the Bourse de Commerce
The exhibition journey begins with a tour through the grand hall of the Bourse de Commerce, where works like Pier Paolo Calzolari's "Senza titolo (Materassi)" immerse visitors in the unique world of Arte Povera. In this piece, Calzolari transforms mattresses into living sculptures covered with cooling tubes, exploring the boundary between life and inertia.
Next, visitors reach the stunning Rotunda, a space dedicated to the monumental installations of Arte Povera's leading figures. Highlights include Mario Merz's first "igloo" sculpture, an homage to nomadism and shelter, and Penone's first sculpted tree, underscoring nature’s power at the heart of art. Alighiero Boetti's steaming fountain, in constant motion, is also a key feature of this collective installation.
Celebrating Major Works of Arte Povera
Among the featured artists, prominent names include Jannis Kounellis, whose works in Gallery 2 incorporate raw materials like coal, wool, and fire, offering a deep reflection on material reality and its interaction with contemporary art. On the upper floor, Michelangelo Pistoletto presents his famous "mirror paintings," which explore the relationship between image and viewer, inviting the visitor into a dialogue with the work.
Other influential artists like Giulio Paolini, Luciano Fabro, Giovanni Anselmo, and Pino Pascali are also showcased with major pieces, including installations where water and natural elements become central, blurring the boundaries between nature and culture. Notably, Pascali’s striking piece, "Confluenze" (1967), places water at its core.
An Unforgettable Contemporary Art Experience
The Bourse de Commerce, in partnership with the Pinault Collection and the Castello di Rivoli, offers a comprehensive dive into Arte Povera, featuring works from prestigious collections. The exhibition culminates on the museum’s lower level, where Gilberto Zorio’s "Confine incandescente" (1970), a work with heated metal powered by electricity, symbolizes the tension between energy and matter.
This exhibition is a true celebration of modern and contemporary art. It joins the rich lineup of cultural events in Paris, in harmony with other iconic venues like the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Louvre. Whether you’re an enthusiast of museums, modern, or contemporary art, this exhibition provides a unique immersive experience, revealing the richness and radicalism of Arte Povera within the majestic setting of the Bourse de Commerce.
Whether you’re a passionate art history lover or a curious visitor in search of new discoveries, the Arte Povera exhibition invites you to explore art without borders, transforming simple materials into genuine masterpieces.
Photo ©Isaac Maffeis - Unsplash