Davide Rivalta

To be an oak

Gorilla n.8 – HOT SPOT – Caring For a Burning World #085 (2022) by Davide RivaltaLa Galleria Nazionale

Davide Rivalta, Gorillas

Davide Rivalta’s Gorillas - an endangered animal - greet the public at the entrance of the Gallery.

Gorilla n.8 and n.9 – HOT SPOT – Caring For a Burning World #074 (2022) by Davide RivaltaLa Galleria Nazionale

What's the first thing you think of when I say Hot Spot?

I think of our land, ever smaller where more and more things concern everyone. Often disastrous things.

Installation View – HOT SPOT – Caring For a Burning World #096 (2022)La Galleria Nazionale

What is the "hottest" contemporary theme nowadays?

I don't think there are more urgent or interesting themes, every artist brings himself in relation to the world, or rather to the world of him.

Gorilla n.8 and n.9 – HOT SPOT – Caring For a Burning World #074 (2022) by Davide RivaltaLa Galleria Nazionale

How artistic practice can actively influence these issues?

The artist, like every citizen, can do some small thing every day to respect the environment and bring an image of empathy and awareness towards this urgent issue.

Gorilla n.8 – HOT SPOT – Caring For a Burning World #085 (2022) by Davide RivaltaLa Galleria Nazionale

How was it to confront with other artists in Hot Spot?

It's always nice for an instrumentalist to be part of complex and well-orchestrated music.

Installation View – HOT SPOT – Caring For a Burning World #096 (2022)La Galleria Nazionale

What do you think is the main visitors' feeling in Hot Spot?

I hope I have contributed to an exhibition idea that reflects the change that affects us. From placid lions to peremptory gorillas. The visitors' response is to this change of approach.

Gorilla – HOT SPOT – Caring For a Burning World #001 (2022) by Davide RivaltaLa Galleria Nazionale

Choose a claim for an aesthetic activism manifesto

I choose a tree. To be an oak.

Credits: Story

Interview by Giulia Lotti. Photo by Adriano Mura.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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