Untitled

Kunstner

Alessandro Calabrese

Født i Trento, Italy

The Architectural Eye: The Visual Journey of Alessandro Calabrese

Born in the historic Italian city of Trento in 1983, Alessandro Calabrese has cultivated an artistic practice that exists at the delicate intersection of structural precision and poetic abstraction. His creative identity is deeply rooted in a multidisciplinary academic foundation, having studied architecture at the prestigious IUAV University in Venice before refining his visual language through postgraduate studies in photography and visual design at NABA Milan. This unique duality—the ability to perceive the world through both the rigid geometry of an architect and the emotive lens of a photographer—allows him to transform urban landscapes into profound meditations on space, memory, and the passage of time.

Currently residing and working in the vibrant metropolis of Milan, Calabrese does not merely document the city; he deconstructs it. His work often functions as an exploration of urban echoes, where the built environment serves as a canvas for investigating how architectural forms resonate with human experience. By synthesizing structural understanding with artistic sensitivity, his images achieve a rare balance of technical accuracy and evocative storytelling, inviting viewers to contemplate the layers of history embedded within the very stones and steel of our modern landscapes.

Deconstructing the Image: Technique and Conceptual Depth

Calabrese’s approach to photography is characterized by an anti-narrative philosophy, a method that seeks to challenge the traditional role of the photographic medium. Rather than capturing straightforward representations of reality, he often engages in the deliberate destruction or transformation of images. His practice involves a fascinating tension between authorship and chance; at times, he meticulously constructs his own archives of imagery, while at others, he surrenders control to algorithms or appropriates existing visual fragments from the digital web. This process of reassembling images allows him to explore the technological unconscious and the role of randomness in contemporary creation.

One of his most compelling conceptual explorations is found in his series 'Hierarchy of Genres'. In this project, Calabrese revisits the classical categories of pictorial art—such as historical painting, landscape, and still life—through a contemporary, fragmented lens. By utilizing film stills and digital archives to recreate these traditional genres, he investigates the boundary between the ideal and the real, and between the intellectual effort required to make the universal visible and the mere reproduction of appearances. His work thus becomes a sophisticated commentary on how we consume and perceive images in an era of infinite digital proliferation.

A Legacy of Exhibition and Academic Contribution

The trajectory of Alessandro Calabrese’s career is marked by significant international recognition and a steadfast commitment to the evolution of visual arts. His exhibitions have graced esteemed institutions, including notable presentations at MAXXI in Rome, where his project 'Eighteen Streets in Rome That Don’t Exist on Google Street View' garnered the Graziadei Prize, and the unseen photo fair in Amsterdam. From solo shows like 'Till Now'* at the Viasaterna booth in Bologna to participations in group exhibitions featured by Google Arts & Culture, his work continues to challenge the boundaries of contemporary photography.

Beyond his personal practice, Calabrese plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of visual thinkers. As an assistant lecturer at the Accademia Carrara di Belle Arti in Bergamo and a teacher at NABA Milan, he shares his profound knowledge of visual design and architectural theory with aspiring artists. His dedication to the medium is further evidenced by his involvement in the programming of Condominio, a space dedicated to contemporary photography in Milan. Through both his evocative photographic works and his academic pursuits, Calabrese remains a significant figure in the contemporary art landscape, constantly redefining our relationship with the spaces we inhabit.

Museum

THAT'S CONTEMPORARY

Udstillet i Milan, Italy

THAT'S CONTEMPORARY: A Milanese Hub for Contemporary Art

Milan, Italy – THAT’S CONTEMPORARY stands as a singular testament to the evolving landscape of Italian art. Founded in 2011, this innovative cultural platform isn’t merely documenting contemporary artistic endeavors; it actively cultivates an independent network connecting artists, galleries, and audiences—a deliberate departure from traditional museum models. Its mission is simple yet profound: to illuminate Milan's dynamic creative spirit and foster a deeper appreciation for modern art forms.

Mapping the Scene:

Launched as a response to the need for centralized artistic mapping, THAT’S CONTEMPORARY swiftly established itself as the go-to resource for discovering exhibitions and emerging talent within Milan.

Bridging Connections:

Unlike conventional institutions focused on preservation, THIS platform prioritizes engagement—facilitating dialogues between artists and collectors alike.

Collection Highlights & Artistic Explorations

While lacking a permanent collection in the traditional sense, THAT’S CONTEMPORARY offers visitors an immersive journey into Milanese contemporary art. The platform champions exhibitions showcasing diverse mediums—photography, sculpture, installation art—often featuring groundbreaking perspectives on societal issues and artistic experimentation. Notably, explorations of architectural spaces like Viafarini contribute to this experience, highlighting innovative approaches to gallery design and fostering stimulating conversations about artistic presentation.

Featured Works:

Among the showcased pieces are captivating artworks such as Gerhard Richter’s ‘Domplatz, Mailand,’ a masterful black & white photograph capturing Milanese grandeur—a testament to realism infused with aged aesthetic qualities.

Fashion Forward Inspiration:

Águeda Isabel Ruiz de la Prada’s ‘Dress with Synthetic-Suede Squares,’ presented during Milan Fashion Week, exemplifies the platform's commitment to showcasing artistic collaborations and pushing creative boundaries.

Notable Artists & Creative Voices

THAT’S CONTEMPORARY spotlights Italian artists who are shaping the future of art. Massimo Kaufmann, renowned for his expansive paintings, embodies the spirit of Milanese artistic tradition while simultaneously embracing innovation. Similarly, elisabetta gut's sculptures and installations delve into themes of confinement and fragility—reflecting a thoughtful engagement with contemporary concerns. Daniele Innamorato’s collaborative work as founder of Kings Collective underscores the platform’s dedication to fostering collective creativity and pushing artistic boundaries.

Viafarini: An Architectural Canvas

The Viafarini gallery complex serves as an integral part of THAT’S CONTEMPORARY's narrative. Designed by architect Marco Zanuso Jr., this building embodies Milanese architectural modernity—a space deliberately conceived to stimulate artistic dialogue and showcase experimental exhibitions. Its expansive layout encourages exploration and contemplation, mirroring the platform’s ethos of fostering engagement with cutting-edge art.

A Unique Perspective on Contemporary Art

THAT'S CONTEMPORARY distinguishes itself from conventional museums by prioritizing active participation and disseminating knowledge beyond physical walls. It operates as a dynamic online resource—a vibrant hub for artistic discovery—solidifying its position as an indispensable guide for anyone wishing to experience Milan’s flourishing contemporary art scene.