‘Louise Bourgeois: Unconscious Memories,’ A Provocative Dialogue with Classical Art Opens at Galleria Borghese

In a groundbreaking exhibition, Louise Bourgeois: Unconscious Memories, which opens at Rome's Galleria Borghese, presents a captivating dialogue between contemporary sculpture and classical masterpieces. This summer, fashion's eternal muse – the interplay of form and emotion – finds new expression in Bourgeois' provocative works, set against the backdrop of one of Italy's most revered art collections. With FENDI as the main sponsor, this exhibition celebrates the worlds of high fashion and fine art.

Bourgeois' iconic sculptures, including the imposing "Spider" and the enigmatic "Janus Fleuri," transform the Galleria's ornate rooms and lush gardens into a labyrinth of psychological exploration. Her use of materials – from the cold solidity of bronze to the surprising softness of fabric – offers a tactile journey that resonates with fashion's ongoing obsession with texture and contrast. The exhibition showcases about 20 sculptural works, each engaging in a unique conversation with the Casino Borghese's architecture and collection.

The exhibition's pièce de résistance, Bourgeois' "Cells," are a sartorial dream come to life. These room-sized installations, housing found objects and sculpted forms, evoke the intimacy of a couturier's atelier – spaces where memories are stitched into the very fabric of creation. Fashion enthusiasts will find endless inspiration in these meticulously curated microcosms, each a testament to the power of personal history in shaping artistic vision. "Cell XX (Portrait)" and "Cell (The Last Climb)" offer particularly poignant explorations of emotional landscapes.

As Bourgeois' contemporary works engage in silent conversation with Bernini's sculptures and Caravaggio's paintings, visitors are invited to reconsider the very nature of beauty and identity. This juxtaposition of old and new offers a fresh perspective on the body – a theme as central to high fashion as it is to fine art. The fabric heads displayed in the Hall of the Emperors create a striking contrast with the classical busts, challenging traditional notions of portraiture.

Louise Bourgeois' ability to transform deeply personal experiences into universally resonant art forms makes her a touchstone for designers seeking to infuse their collections with emotional depth. This exhibition not only celebrates her contributions to contemporary sculpture but also reaffirms her status as a perennial inspiration in the world of haute couture. FENDI's sponsorship underscores the enduring relationship between art and fashion, two realms in which Bourgeois' influence continues to resonate.

The exhibition is further enriched by collaborations with The Easton Foundation and the Academy of France - Villa Medici. The latter hosts Bourgeois' "No Exit" in its Salon de lecture, extending the exhibition's reach beyond the Galleria Borghese. Moreover, the Hotel Eden, Dorchester Collection serves as the hospitality partner, ensuring visitors experience Roman luxury beyond the exhibition halls.

As the first exhibition dedicated to a contemporary woman artist at the Galleria Borghese, Louise Bourgeois: Unconscious Memories is more than a retrospective – it's a bold statement on the evolving nature of art, fashion, and identity. Opening its doors to the public on June 21st, 2024, this extraordinary showcase will run until September 15th, 2024. Visitors can immerse themselves in Bourgeois' world Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 am to 7 pm (with last entry at 5:45 pm). With its Public Program titled "Esistere come donna" (Existing as a Woman), organized by Electa, the exhibition promises to spark conversations that extend far beyond its stunning visual offerings.

Rome has always been a crucible of style; with Bourgeois' works now gracing its most hallowed halls and FENDI lending its iconic support, the Eternal City reaffirms its place at the forefront of artistic innovation and fashion-forward thinking. Whether you're an art lover, a fashion enthusiast, or simply curious about the intersection of contemporary and classical aesthetics, this summer in Rome offers an unmissable opportunity to discover the dialogue between past and present, all within the magnificent setting of the Galleria Borghese.