Palermo Procession

Marinella Senatore: A Biography

• Born: Cava de’ Tirreni, Italy (1977)
• Current Residence: Rome and Paris
• Nationality: Italian

Early Life and Education

• Marinella Senatore's artistic journey began early, demonstrating a passion for various art forms.
• She pursued studies in music, fine arts, and cinema, laying the foundation for her multidisciplinary approach.
• This diverse education significantly shaped her unique style, blending different disciplines into a cohesive practice.

Artistic Career and Style

• Senatore's artistic career is marked by extensive exhibitions across Italy and internationally, including prominent venues like the Museum of Contemporary Art in Rome, Kunstlerhaus Bethanien (Berlin), Matadero (Madrid), Quad (Derby), Castello di Rivoli (Turin), and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Santa Barbara.
• Her work is characterized by a strong collective and participatory dimension, actively involving local communities in the creative process. This emphasis on community engagement is central to her artistic philosophy.
• Style: Senatore's style seamlessly blends music, fine arts, and cinema, creating an innovative approach to art. Her pieces often incorporate performance elements and site-specific installations.
• Themes: Common themes explored in her work include empowerment, social engagement, collective identity, and the transformative power of community rituals. She frequently addresses political issues through artistic expression.

Notable Works and Projects

• Matinée (2013): Displayed at the Venice Biennale, this work exemplifies her large-scale participatory projects.
• The Guitar Player: Currently on display at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, showcasing her artistic skill.
• La Collezione Bonello (Malta): Featured in various group exhibitions, demonstrating her ability to integrate into diverse art collections.
• The School of Narrative Dance (SOND): A nomadic, free-of-charge school founded in 2013, promoting emancipation, empowerment, and self-education through dance and storytelling. SONDS activities have taken place in over 23 countries involving about 8 million people.
• Rosas (2012): An Opera in three acts conceived for the screen, a large participatory project involving over 20,000 participants across Germany, England, and Spain.

Awards, Residencies, and Recognition

• Senatore has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Dena Foundation Fellowship, New York Prize, Fellowship at the American Academy in Rome, Gotham Prize, and MAXXI Prize.
• She has participated in various residencies, such as the Ratti Foundation, Art Omi, ISCP (Brooklyn), Künstlerhaus Bethanien, and the American Academy in Rome.
• Her work has garnered significant recognition within the contemporary art world, solidifying her position as an important figure known for her innovative approach to community engagement and artistic expression.