ACP – Palazzo Franchetti by Fondazione Calarota, with the patronage of the British Embassy in Rome, presents Bittersweet, an exhibition honoring Graham Sutherland, a groundbreaking figure in contemporary British painting. Often compared to Damien Hirst for his ability to challenge artistic conventions, Sutherland left an indelible mark on modern art, constantly pushing the boundaries between reality and imagination.
Curated by Roberta Perazzini Calarota, the exhibition explores the artist’s most recurring themes, emphasizing his deep connection with nature – expressed through lush landscapes – and the enigmatic world of animals. The selection includes a series of works ranging from significant oil paintings and watercolors to a carefully curated collection of lithographs from Sutherland’s most renowned cycles, including the celebrated Il Bestiario. Balancing between the real and the surreal, Sutherland’s creations maintain a distinctive identity, immersing the viewer in what Francesco Arcangeli described as a state of “magical discomfort.” Characterized by evocative metamorphoses and a constant tension between opposing forces, his works unfold as an unresolved enigma, inviting the audience to contemplate a mystery that remains perpetually open-ended.

Photo: Graham Sutherland, No title, 1970. Courtesy Galleria d’Arte Maggiore g.a.m., Bologna | Paris | Venice