ELLI ANTONIOU

Al Dente: A Feast for the Senses

30.11- 16.12.2023
Berntson Bhattacherjeee Gallery, London

Berntson Bhattacharjee is delighted to host Al Dente: A Feast for the Senses; an exhibition guest-curated by Edoardo Monti, shining a spotlight on the creative endeavours of twelve artists who recently completed a month-long residency at his prestigious Palazzo Monti in Brescia, Italy. Monti has carefully curated a selection of artists who are evolving the craft of their artistic field and finding international recognition as ones to watch. Exhibited artists are Hiva Alizadeh, Elli Antoniou, Andrea Bocca, Bea Bonafini, Thomas De Falco, Kirsten Deirup, John Fou, David Gardner, Delphine
Hennelly, Eliza Hopewell, Madeleine Roger-Lacan, and Hannah Tilson.

As the founder and driving force behind one of the world’s leading residencies, Monti places paramount importance on his social duty to nurture and champion emerging talent. In doing so, he has established a sense of community and refuge at Palazzo Monti, where resident artists become part of his family and home. Al Dente: A Feast for the Senses is an example of Monti’s curatorial household and aptitude for bringing together artists with diverse practices and backgrounds.

The exhibition offers a foray into the multifaceted realm of contemporary figurative art, wherein a wide spectrum of artistic mediums assumes a prominent role. Ranging from synthetic hair and cotton tapestry to the timeless technique of oil on canvas, as well as pigments adroitly applied to sheer fabric and meticulously crafted acetate sculptures, the presentation showcases a convergence of artistic ingenuity. Al Dente: A Feast for the Senses further serves as a harmonious convergence of talents hailing from seven nations, extending from Iran to the far shores of the Atlantic. This confluence of international perspectives offers a diverse and nuanced tableau of contemporary artistic expression on a global scale. With a seamless fusion of diverse and individual artistic practices, the exhibition guides its visitors on a sensory journey that transcends conventional boundaries through the universal language of art.

Curated by Edoardo Monti