Mai-Thu Perret, Real Estate

Mai-Thu Perret, Real Estate

Opening March 24, 6pm
March 25 – June 26, 2022

Istituto Svizzero Roma opens Real Estate, the first major solo exhibition in Italy by Swiss artist Mai-Thu Perret (born 1976, lives and works in Geneva). Conceived in close exchange with the artist, the exhibition includes existing and new works – such as a life-size sculpture, which draws on Mai-Thu Perret’s interest in the gods of Roman mythology.

Real Estate offers an overview of the themes, processes and materials explored by the artist: the sculptures, paintings, ceramic works, performances and texts stand at the intersection of contemporary culture, art history criticism and materiality. Mai-Thu Perret explores (and generates) feminist narratives and counter-narratives highlighting the role of the art object, introducing utilitarian, symbolic and even mystical possibilities into contexts that are often limited to formalist readings.

The title of the exhibition Real Estate is not only a play on words with the Italian term ‘estate’ (the summer season) but refers to the title of the ‘living autobiography’ by writer Deborah Levy. In this sense, the artist reflects on the definition of ‘home’, domesticity and the connotations of gender in architecture – themes that are present throughout the exhibition. The show also includes a new spoken word piece by Tamara Barnett-Herrin.

At the same time as the exhibition, it will be possible to see the semi-permanent installation recently commissioned from Mai-Thu Perret for the entrance of Villa Maraini. The work consists of a neon work that illuminates the building and is visible to passers-by on Via Ludovisi.

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About Mai-Thu Perret

Mai-Thu Perret (born 1976) lives and works in Geneva. She has exhibited in major Swiss and international institutions such as Badischer Kunstverein, Karlsruhe (2019); Spike Island, Bristol (2019); MAMCO, Geneva (2019); Musée d’art moderne et contemporain, Geneva (2016); Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas (2016); Le Magasin, Grenoble (2012); Haus Konstruktiv, Zurich (2011); University of Michigan Museum of Art, Ann Arbor (2010); San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (2008); and the Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago (2006). Perret’s work is in the permanent collection of institutions worldwide, including the Centre National des Arts Plastiques, Paris; Collection Aargauer Kunsthaus, Aarau; Fond National d’Art Contemporain, Paris; Migros Museum of Contemporary Art, Zurich; San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; and Walker Art Center, Minneapolis.