de bello. notes on war and peace

From Alberto Burri to Claire Fontaine, from Anselm Kiefer to Lawrence Abu Hamdan, from Joseph Beuys, Marina Abramović to Cristina Lucas, from Andrea Gastaldi to Boris Mikhailov and Arcangelo Sassolino, passing through Monira Al Qadiri, Mohamed Choucair, Total Refusal, and many others.

de bello. notes on war and peace is the first collective exhibition by gres art 671, a journey through wars and conflicts, seen as a cycle that repeats over time—a phenomenon that spans eras, places, and civilizations, leaving deep marks on collective memory.

An experiential exploration of humankind during the universal phases of conflict, regardless of historical or geographical context.

The exhibition features over 30 works by old masters, modern, and contemporary artists—both emerging and established—alongside designers and activists. Spanning more than six centuries of history, these pieces invite reflection on how the experience of war shapes emotions, perceptions, and the sense of belonging for those who endure it.

The installations, paintings, photographs, sculptures, textiles, and video works on display evoke the succession of emotions and transformations that accompany every conflict: from the illusion of peace to unrest, from alarm to confrontation, up to the resistance and ruins that follow. A cross-sectional view of historical periods and geographies—from the Risorgimento uprisings to Ukraine, from the Middle East to South America.

Here, art becomes more than mere testimony: it is an act of resilience, a language capable of translating pain into creation and destruction into rebirth. “de bello” challenges the audience, confronting them with the scars of history and their repetition, yet also suggesting a possibility for redemption. Through participation in resistance, it ultimately inspires peace.

Featured artists: Marina Abramović, Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Monira Al Qadiri, Maja Bajevic, Gabriele Basilico, Joseph Beuys, Antonio Bermúdez, Alberto Burri, Daya Cahen, Achille Capetta, Mohamed Choucair, Dima Fatum, Claire Fontaine, Anton Frankovitch, Salvatore Garzillo, Andrea Gastaldi, Maees Hadi, Massoud Hassani, Alfredo Jaar, Anselm Kiefer, Tillmann Lauterbach, Cristina Lucas, Basilio Maritano, Masbedo, Claudia Mastroroberto, Mateo Maté, Gabriele Micalizzi, Boris Mikhailov, Serena Oddo, Jacopo Ripanda, Sant’Antonino da Firenze, Salvatore Scarpitta, Masha Shubina, Jonas Staal, Arcangelo Sassolino, Total Refusal.

Curated by gres art 671 (Francesca Acquati) and 2050+ (Erica Petrillo, Ippolito Pestellini Laparelli). Based on an idea by Salvatore Garzillo and Gabriele Micalizzi. Exhibition design by 2050+.

Info for the audience
The exhibition is open to the public from Wednesday to Thursday 10am–7pm and from Friday to Sunday 10am–8pm.

Extraordinary closures: From Monday, August 11, to Friday, August 22, for summer closure / Extraordinary openings: Easter Monday, April 21; Monday, June 2.