Alice Neel and Piotr Uklański: Pioneering Art Exhibitions at Pinacoteca Agnelli

On June 12, 2025, Pinacoteca Agnelli in Turin, Italy, will unveil its highly anticipated autumn exhibition program featuring two prominent artists: American painter Alice Neel and Polish artist Piotr Uklański. The exhibition, titled "I Am the Century," marks the first retrospective of Neel’s work in Italy and will run until April 6, 2026. Curated by Sarah Cosulich and Pietro Rigolo, this exhibition will explore Neel’s significant contributions to 20th-century portraiture through a lens of emotional depth and social commentary.

Alice Neel, born in 1900 in Merion Square, Pennsylvania, and passed away in 1984 in New York City, is celebrated for her unique ability to capture the human condition. Her work merges realism with surrealism, presenting subjects that reflect complex societal narratives. According to Sarah Cosulich, Director of Pinacoteca Agnelli, “Neel’s portraits are not just representations; they are profound explorations of the human soul.” The exhibition will be divided into six thematic chapters, each reflecting pivotal moments in Neel's life and art, ultimately illustrating her role as a “chronicler of life” within the context of evolving societal norms.

In contrast, Piotr Uklański’s exhibition, entitled "Faux Amis," will operate as a dialogue between his contemporary works and pieces from the museum’s permanent collection. Uklański, known for his multifaceted artistic approach, will reinterpret works by renowned artists such as Bernardo Bellotto and Édouard Manet through a provocative lens. His project aims to challenge traditional narratives in art history, fostering a critical discussion on how contemporary artists can engage with and reinterpret the past.

Uklański has described his artistic method as “cannibalistic,” emphasizing the importance of understanding and recontextualizing historical artworks within modern practice. As he noted, “Art history is not a linear narrative but a complex web of influences and dialogues.” This exhibition will also be complemented by interventions at local museums, expanding the conversation about the role of historical art in contemporary settings.

The launch of these exhibitions coincides with the appointment of a new curatorial team at Pinacoteca Agnelli, consisting of Nicola Trezzi and Raphaële Sevrain, who will work alongside Cosulich to further the museum’s mission of blending historical and contemporary art narratives. According to Trezzi, “Our goal is to activate the collection in ways that resonate with today's audiences while honoring the legacy of the artists who came before us.”

Founded in 2002, Pinacoteca Agnelli is housed in the historic FIAT car factory in Lingotto, Turin, and has undergone a transformation to emphasize contemporary dialogues in art. The museum’s commitment to engaging with its permanent collection through contemporary exhibitions is exemplified in the ongoing project, "Beyond the Collection," which seeks to reinterpret its historical artifacts through modern artistic interventions.

As the exhibition dates approach, art enthusiasts and critics alike anticipate the dynamic interplay between Neel’s emotionally resonant portraits and Uklański’s innovative reinterpretations of classical works. This dual exhibition not only honors two significant figures in the art world but also reinforces Pinacoteca Agnelli’s role as a vital space for contemporary artistic dialogue in Italy.

In conclusion, the exhibitions of Alice Neel and Piotr Uklański at Pinacoteca Agnelli promise to enrich the cultural landscape of Turin, offering visitors a unique opportunity to reflect on the past while engaging with contemporary artistic practices. As the art world continues to evolve, such exhibitions highlight the importance of dialogue between historical and contemporary art, paving the way for future explorations in the realm of visual culture.