Andrea Benetti

Andrea Benetti (born in 1964) is a contemporary Italian artist, known for having theorized and developed the “Manifesto of Neo-Rock Art," presented at the 53rd Venice Biennale in the Nature and Dreams Pavilion at Ca' Foscari University. This manifesto forms the core of his artistic research: it draws inspiration from the origins of prehistoric art, particularly cave paintings, to reinterpret them in a contemporary language. His work thus establishes a dialogue between the genesis of artistic creation and its current dimension.

In his practice, Benetti does not limit himself to painting: he develops a conceptual reflection on the origins of human expression, reusing, transforming, and reinventing archaic forms of art. This approach has led to numerous collaborations with Italian and international universities, including Johns Hopkins University, Bologna, Ferrara, Roma Tre, Lecce, Bergamo, and Bari, which have conducted research on his work.

The artist enjoys significant institutional recognition. His works are present in prestigious collections around the world, including those of the United Nations in New York, the Vatican, the Quirinal Palace (presidency of the Italian Republic), the Italian Parliament (Chamber of Deputies), as well as in numerous embassies and contemporary museums in Europe, America and Asia.

His work is also held in numerous international museum institutions, such as the MAMbo in Bologna, the Museion in Bolzano, and the CAMeC in La Spezia. This global reach testifies to the impact of his work in the field of contemporary art.

Andrea Benetti has also been received at major institutions such as the Quirinal Palace, the Chamber of Deputies, and the Vatican, where he met Popes Benedict XVI and Francis. He has received several awards, including the prestigious Nettuno d'Oro Prize in 2020, one of the oldest artistic awards in the city of Bologna.