Exhibitions, encounters and moments that have shaped my artistic journey.

Over the years, my painting practice has developed alongside solo and group exhibitions, participation in events, recognition, and opportunities to engage with artists, critics, gallerists and the public.

This page brings together some of the most significant moments of a journey that began in 2005 and has developed through different experiences, from the Roman art scene to later exhibition opportunities and encounters.

Exhibitions

A selection of exhibitions and events that have accompanied my artistic journey from 2005 to the present day.

2008–2009 · The First Exhibition Experiences

From the first group exhibitions to the first solo shows.

Just a few years after beginning my journey as a painter, the first opportunities to engage with the public arrived. Between 2008 and 2009, I took part in group exhibitions throughout Lazio and held my first solo shows, coming into contact with cultural associations, artists and exhibition spaces that accompanied this early phase of my activity.

In 2008, I exhibited at Castello Orsini in Castel Madama, first in a group exhibition organised for the Sagra della Pera Spadona, from 17 to 20 July, and later in the event held from 20 to 21 December, in which Maestro Ugo Boscaino also participated.

2009 marked an important step. From 21 to 25 February, I held a solo exhibition at the Galleria Comunale d’Arte Moderna in Cerreto Laziale, directed by Maestro Orlando Serpietri. In the same year, I held a solo exhibition in San Polo dei Cavalieri, as well as temporary exhibitions in Castel Madama, Arsoli, San Vito Romano and other artistic events.

Particularly significant was the charity exhibition “Arte e Solidarietà”, held on 14 June 2009 to raise funds for the reconstruction of the Conservatory of Music in L’Aquila following the earthquake. For the occasion, I donated Piazza Duomo – L’Aquila, oil on canvas, 30 × 40 cm, which was subsequently awarded by lottery to the winner.

Arte e Solidarietà, 2009 — With the winner of “Piazza Duomo – L’Aquila”, the work donated for the charity event in support of the reconstruction of the Conservatory of Music in L’Aquila.

2010 · Rome and a New Visibility

2010 marked a particularly intense phase in my artistic journey. Exhibition opportunities multiplied, and my work came increasingly into contact with the public, critics and the Roman art scene.

During this period, my exploration of the figure and interiority, already begun in previous years, gained greater prominence and became the focus of exhibitions and events. At the same time, opportunities for dialogue, interviews and encounters began to arise, contributing to greater visibility for my work.

Among the experiences of that year, some took on particular significance, marking the transition from a still predominantly personal exploration to a more direct engagement with the worlds of art, criticism and communication. 2010 also began with one of the first major recognitions of my artistic journey.

Premio “Il Sodoma” — 1st Prize, Best Artwork

Hotel Summit — Rome
31 January 2010

On 31 January 2010, I was awarded first prize in the Il Sodoma – Capire il Rinascimento per formare l’arte contemporanea competition, curated by Daniele Radini Tedeschi.

The award was presented for Teatro Marittimo, an oil painting on canvas dedicated to one of the most evocative places at Hadrian’s Villa. For me, it represented a particularly significant moment: one of the first major recognitions I received at the beginning of my artistic activity, strengthening my determination to continue along the path I had undertaken.

Among the guests attending the award ceremony were Carmen Russo and Enzo Paolo Turchi.

Certificate of 1st Prize — Best Artwork, exhibition-competition celebrating the centenary of the birth of Il Sodoma, Summit Hotel, Rome, 31 January 2010.

Voglia di Pennello

Pentart Gallery — Vicolo del Cinque, Trastevere — Rome, 2010

In July 2010, Voglia di Pennello represented one of the moments of greatest visibility during this phase of my artistic journey. The exhibition gave me the opportunity to engage with the public, critics and the media, at a time when my exploration of the figure, interiority and eros was gaining increasing attention.

The experience formed part of a particularly vibrant period in my activity in Rome, characterised by exhibitions, encounters and opportunities for dialogue that helped introduce my work to a wider audience within the artistic and exhibition scene.

Voglia di Pennello, Pentart Gallery — Rome, 2010. A moment from the opening, with some of my works on display, in the presence of Riccardo Schicchi and his staff.

Critical and Press Attention

Following these exhibition experiences, my work began to attract interest beyond the exhibition spaces themselves. My exploration of the figure, eros and the relationship between intimacy and colour came into contact with critics, journalists and figures from the worlds of art and communication.

These encounters, beyond the individual opinions expressed, allowed me for the first time to see my work through the eyes of outside observers and to engage with interpretations of my research that differed from my own.

Daniele Radini Tedeschi’s Critical Perspective

L’Aperitivo Illustrato — September 2010

My encounter with Daniele Radini Tedeschi took on particular importance during this period. On the occasion of the Trofeo Calacata in July 2010, I received the Critics’ Award; his review was subsequently published in issue 43, September 2010, of the national magazine L’Aperitivo Illustrato.

L’Aperitivo Illustrato, no. 43, September 2010 — “Le piccole storie delle Maisons Closes”, review by Daniele Radini Tedeschi.

Via Margutta: Il Piacere – dal colore alla forma

Galleria Consorti — Via Margutta, Rome — 28 October / 4 November 2010

In the autumn of 2010, my artistic journey continued in one of the places historically associated with Roman art: Via Margutta. I took part in the exhibition Il Piacere – dal colore alla forma at Galleria Consorti, continuing the exploration of the figure and eros that characterised this phase of my painting.

The experience also held particular significance for me because of the setting in which it took place: exhibiting in Via Margutta represented another opportunity to engage with the Roman art scene and formed part of a particularly intense year of exhibitions, encounters and recognition.

Il Piacere – dal colore alla forma, curated by Daniele Radini Tedeschi, Galleria Consorti — Via Margutta, Rome, 2010.

The Scuderia Radini Tedeschi

Rome, 2010

In November 2010, my collaboration with the Scuderia Radini Tedeschi began through an artistic promotion and management agreement.

The collaboration accompanied an important phase of my artistic journey, through exhibitions, recognition and initiatives that allowed me to encounter new realities within the art world.

To this day, I remain grateful to Daniele Radini Tedeschi for the attention he devoted to my work and for the opportunities that accompanied this phase of my artistic growth.

Certificate of authenticity relating to one of my works, issued by the Scuderia Radini Tedeschi during the period of our collaboration.

Gildo De Bonis at Casa d’Aste Antonina

Casa d’Aste Antonina — Rome, 2010

In November 2010, two works by Gildo De Bonis were included in the catalogue of Casa d’Aste Antonina in Rome and presented in the auction sessions held on 12 and 13 November:

Lot 222 — Les Femmes Fatales, oil on canvas, 30 × 40 cm, estimate €300–400.
Lot 223 — Maison Close, oil on canvas, 25 × 35 cm, estimate €200–300.

The works remained unsold in that auction and were returned to the artist. Les Femmes Fatales was subsequently acquired privately by a Peruvian collector, while Maison Close remains in the artist’s personal collection.

Casa d’Aste Antonina catalogue, Rome, November 2010 — Lot 222, Les Femmes Fatales, and Lot 223, Maison Close, works by Gildo De Bonis, with their respective auction estimates.

Note on the Original Catalogue

In the 2010 Antonina catalogue, the biographical reference for Gildo De Bonis appears as “Tivoli 1970” instead of “Tivoli 1974”. In addition, in Lot 223 the title Maison Close is printed as “Mason close”. These are therefore two typographical errors in the original publication.

Auction Archive

Works by Gildo De Bonis are also documented in the international Arcadja archive, which records artists’ auction results and appearances on the art market.

View the Lots on Arcadja →

2011 · Awards and Recognition

In 2011, the period of growth and engagement that had begun in previous years continued. My exploration of the figure and eros, by then a recognisable element of my work, found new exhibition opportunities and new recognition.

It was a year in which exhibitions, awards and encounters intertwined, consolidating an artistic phase that I had begun to develop in previous years and that, during this period, reached one of its most mature expressions.

Premio della Lupa — 4th Edition

Rome, 9 January 2011

On the occasion of the 4th edition of the Premio della Lupa, Les Femmes Fatales was awarded first place in the erotic art category. On the same occasion, I also received an award of recognition from the Scuderia Radini Tedeschi.

This recognition held particular significance for me because it rewarded precisely the exploration of the figure, the body and eros that had characterised the previous years so intensely and which, through a progressive experimentation with colour and matter, was transforming my pictorial language.

Il Senso del Sacro

Palazzo Maffei Marescotti — Galleria Vaticana “La Pigna”, Rome

16–30 March 2011

From 16 to 30 March 2011, I took part in the group exhibition Il Senso del Sacro, curated by Daniele Radini Tedeschi, at the Galleria Vaticana “La Pigna”, inside Palazzo Maffei Marescotti in Rome.

For the exhibition, I presented Donne in cucina, an oil painting on canvas from 2010 that I had previously created on commission and which had already entered a private collection. For the occasion, the owner kindly agreed to lend the work back to me temporarily so that I could exhibit it.

Catalogue of the exhibition “Il Senso del Sacro”, Palazzo Maffei Marescotti — Galleria Vaticana “La Pigna”, Rome, 2011. Cover and pages dedicated to Gildo De Bonis and the work “Donne in cucina”.

Other Exhibitions in 2011

A selection of other events that formed part of my exhibition activity during the year.

• 27 April – 3 May · Artisti a confronto — Galleria Margutta, Via Margutta 53/b, Rome.
• 4–10 May · Il gesto e i moti dell’animo — Galleria Domus Talenti, Via delle Quattro Fontane, Rome.
• 11–19 June · Trofeo Internazionale Medusa Aurea – XXXIV edizione — Sala Matisse, Excel Roma Montemario, Rome.
• 17–23 June · Fantastico e reale, quando la fiaba incontra la realtà — Quantum Leap Gallery, Via Urbana, Rome.

Solo Exhibitions in 2011

Two exhibitions entirely devoted to my work.

From 25 to 29 June, I exhibited at the Galleria Comunale d’Arte Moderna in Cerreto Laziale, in a solo exhibition proposed by Maestro Orlando Serpietri, with whom I began a collaboration during that period as part of the initiatives promoted by the movement Cento e più Artisti Uniti per il Mondo.

From 12 to 21 August, I returned to San Polo dei Cavalieri, my village, for a solo exhibition that still holds a special meaning for me. For the occasion, the socio-cultural association Il Corniolo provided me with a municipal exhibition space where I was able to present a broad selection of my work. The exhibition was very well received, and several works were acquired, making it a significant moment in my relationship both with the public and with collectors.

Even after many years, I retain particularly fond memories of both experiences. My gratitude goes to Maestro Orlando Serpietri, who proposed the solo exhibition in Cerreto Laziale and supported my work during that phase of my journey, and to the Il Corniolo Association, for its warm welcome and for giving me the opportunity to exhibit in my village.

Solo exhibitions in 2011. Left: San Polo dei Cavalieri, presenting “Isola Tiberina” to its new owner; right: with Maestro Orlando Serpietri, promoter of the solo exhibition in Cerreto Laziale.

Further Exhibitions in 2011

My exhibition activity continued between Rome and other Italian cities.

• 5–22 September · Arte Metropolitana — Quantum Leap Gallery, Via Urbana, Rome.
• 22–29 October · Tracce di vita — Museo Archeologico Faggiano, Lecce.
• 3–10 December · Art Shopping for Christmas — Galleria Spaziottagoni, Rome.

2012 · The Exploration of Eros

Interiors change and a new phase of my painting takes shape.

My exploration of eros, which had begun in previous years, reached one of its most fully developed expressions in 2012. Daniele Radini Tedeschi also played a part in this evolution: observing the interior scenes I was already painting, he suggested that I imagine those same settings as brothels of another era.

It was a suggestion that I freely chose to embrace and develop according to my own sensibility. The interiors that already belonged to my painting thus began to fill with new figures and new stories: courtesans, encounters and scenes of life inside brothels, sometimes explicit, at other times merely suggested.

From that moment on, I pursued this exploration independently, experimenting with the relationship between figure, sensuality, colour and matter. During 2012, this language became increasingly recognisable, eventually becoming the focus of my solo exhibitions and attracting the attention of the press.

EroticaMente

Ex Roma Club Monti — Via Baccina 66, Rome
23 February – 1 March 2012

In February 2012, I took part in EroticaMente, a group exhibition curated by Marzia Modesto and devoted to different artistic interpretations of eros. My participation was closely connected to the research I was developing at the time, increasingly focused on the figure, sensuality and the narrative dimension of interiors.

The exhibition brought together different artistic languages — from painting and photography to sculpture — and represented one of the occasions when this phase of my work came into direct contact with the public.

Other Exhibitions in 2012

Throughout the year, my exhibition activity continued with numerous group exhibitions, accompanying the development of my exploration of the figure and eros.

• 28 February – 6 March · Carnevale 2012 — Galleria Astrolabio, Rome.
• 16–22 March · W i papà — Pentart Gallery, Rome.
• 30 March – 5 April · Aria di Primavera — Pentart Gallery, Rome.
• 30 March – 6 April · La sperimentazione e l’avanguardia — Galleria Astrolabio, Rome.
• 11–17 May · Arte, emozione e sensualità — Pentart Gallery, Rome.
• 10 June – 1 July · Essenza d’Arte — Mercure Olbia Hermaea Sardinia, Olbia.
• 11 June – 14 September · Erotico Informale — Teatro Millelire, Rome.
• 10–20 November · Artisti Contemporanei a confronto — Galleria Il Leone, Rome.
• 24 November – 10 December · Arte nel Lazio — Galleria Il Leone, Rome.

Dal classico all’erotico informale

Hotel Villa Pirandello, Rome · 7 December 2012 – 15 January 2013

The Solo Exhibition at Villa Pirandello

The solo exhibition Dal classico all’erotico informale represents one of the most important and successful moments of my artistic journey and, to this day, remains my most recent solo exhibition.

The exhibition was conceived to tell the story of the evolution of my painting: from my beginnings devoted to landscapes and views of monumental Rome to my exploration of the figure, interiors and eros. Two apparently distant sides of my work were brought together within the same exhibition: on the one hand, the figurative painting of my early years; on the other, the erotico informale, born from the encounter between interior scenes and an increasingly free experimentation with colour, matter and gesture. It was precisely this evolution that was also highlighted by the press at the time.

The exhibition was curated by Jlenia Bennati, with a critical presentation by Prof. Claudio Lepri and the participation, at the opening, of Maestro Orlando Serpietri. Alongside them were two people who were especially important to me during those years, Lorenzo De Feo and Antonio Lupi of Teatro Millelire, friends and supporters of my work. During that period, some of my works were permanently displayed in the theatre foyer, which had already hosted the exhibition Erotico Informale for several months.

The exhibition also received considerable attention through the press office connected with Teatro Millelire. This work contributed to the visibility of the event: the exhibition was featured in articles in the press and online, television reports and radio interviews, including Radio Mambo; Rete Oro produced a television report for its programme ARTE24.

The opening brought together artists, collectors, art enthusiasts, gallerists and professionals from the art world, in an evening that I still remember as one of the most beautiful moments of my exhibition activity.

On 21 December, Inside Art published the article “Solo prostitute e bordelli”, devoted to my work and exploring my research into nineteenth-century brothels and informal eroticism, giving considerable space to my creative process.

Original Inside Art article — “Solo prostitute e bordelli”

Years later, Villa Pirandello remains for me the culmination of a particularly intense period. It does not represent the conclusion of my artistic journey, but the end of a phase: I would continue to paint and deepen my research, although, for a number of reasons, I have not held another solo exhibition since then.

A special thought goes to Lorenzo De Feo, a friend and valued companion during that artistic period, who passed away far too soon. To him, and to Antonio Lupi and to all the people who contributed to the success of that experience, my gratitude still goes today.

The Opening

Villa Pirandello, 7 December 2012

An evening with a remarkable turnout, bringing together friends, artists, critics, gallerists, collectors and people who had followed my artistic journey over the previous years.

2018–2019 · MyPictureGallery — Rome

Works on Display and for Sale

Between 2018 and 2019, some of my works were selected by Lucia Miarelli to be exhibited at MyPictureGallery, in Via dell’Orso 73, Rome, in the heart of the historic centre.

The works remained on display at the gallery and were offered for sale, becoming part of its contemporary art selection during those years.

It was one of the last exhibition experiences of my Roman period, shortly before my move to Trieste, and coincided with an important phase of transformation in my painting.

It was precisely during those years that I began to move progressively away from more traditional representation, searching for a freer and more personal language in which reality, memory and imagination could coexist.

This was the period in which Un elefante si dondolava (2018) was born, a work that I now consider the first step in the journey that would eventually give rise to “Beyond Reality”.

My experience with MyPictureGallery came to an end when the gallery subsequently ceased its activity.

2022 · Galleria Hermetika — Trieste

Group Exhibition

In 2022, I took part in a group exhibition at Galleria Hermetika in Trieste, one of my first exhibition opportunities after moving to the city.

2026/2027 · Dantebus Bazart

9th International Painting Competition

In 2026, L’Equilibrista was selected to take part in the 9th edition of the Dantebus Bazart International Painting Competition.

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