The Villa Paloma invites visitors to experience Paesine, a thought-provoking exhibition by contemporary artist Francisco Tropa, running until April 21, 2025…
Tropa transforms the museum into a realm where archaeology, ethnology, and contemporary art converge, challenging conventional perceptions of history and form.
The exhibition takes its name from “paesine,” a type of ornamental stone whose layered patterns evoke landscapes. In Paesine, Tropa draws inspiration from these natural formations, creating trompe-l’œil representations that blend rock, water, and light. The artist juxtaposes the mineral with the organic, the natural with the artificial, encouraging visitors to explore the intersection of curiosity and artistry. This approach recalls a pre-museum era when objects were studied for their wonder and mystery.
The space itself becomes part of the art. Tropa deconstructs the museum, reimagining it as a Platonic cave, where light and shadow interplay to evoke deeper reflections on the origins of art and thought. Visitors are guided through Tropa’s works, encouraged to consider not only the pieces themselves but the environment in which they are displayed—a hallmark of his practice over the past 30 years.
Paesine serves as a retrospective of Tropa’s career, offering a comprehensive view of his evolving artistic vision. This immersive exhibition invites audiences to delve into the foundations of creativity and the timeless allure of art.
For a journey into the interplay of history, nature, and imagination, Villa Paloma’s Paesine is an essential destination for art enthusiasts and curious minds alike.