G A L L E RY

‘ PIAN DE’ GIULLARI’

PRESENTS W O R K S B Y

A ND RE A BO T TA I

G o r i l l a o f t h e p l a i n s

‘INVERSE-TRANSCRIPTASE’ NATURE’S COURAGE

We, our lives and the environment we perceive are constant in diversity. However similar, no two atoms or two cells are identical – as moments in time, even when reflective, are always distinct. (Andrea Bottai)

Nearly fifty works, primarily in wood, illustrate the artist's reflection on the relationship between man and nature … and the impossibility of scientific explanation of its mystery.

Included in the exhibition: a "library of nature," twenty-two wood-bound books printed in tempera and oil and eight cardboard tablets noted in tempura augmented by the manipulation of wood and steelwool represent an "herbal" guide.

I n v e r s e - t r a n s c r i t t a s e

Inverse transcriptase is an enzyme that catalyzes the transcription of RNA into DNA, which opposes the normal process of gene transcription. According to Prof. Fabrizio Sabelli "metaphorically, inverse transcriptase is nature’s attack resulting in a shattering of human certainty.”

Andrea, inspired by this protein and its purpose, creates unpretentious pieces that speak of “naturalness,” life’s proposal to humans: accept with love, humility and wonder, its mysteries. Voluntarily unfinished works, signify the futility of man’s attempts to control life … claiming the timeliness of animistic thinking, sensitive, in its humility and respect for life.

The creations do not pretend a revival of the tiresome arguments regarding philosophical dualism, beyond the old debate about the supposed incompatibility of rationality with intuition or the contagion between the two hemispheres of the brain that the machine society imposes on humans while robotizing existence. Each work is a living adventure – a path veiled in materials and colors evoking nostalgic sadness and fleeting moments, the road is not easily travelled.

The serenity brought by viewing a cypress tree is the result of our genes and neurons. Science cannot consider this type of relationship due to lacking means of measure - whether by numbers, angles, minutes, atoms, or chromosomes - necessary to recognize and relate phenomena and relationships.

T u n a ’ s d r e a m

We, our lives and the environment we perceive are constant in diversity. However similar, no two atoms or two cells are identical – as moments in time, however reflective, are always distinct. Our hands alone, tell of variation, though built by billions of cells, all born with identical chromosomesProblems such viral diseases, global warming, world hunger elude the control of science and culture. In this eerie darkness, "naturalness" offers glimpses of light: fleeting focus on an “inverse transcriptase” – too often overlooked.

Biography

Born in 1945, Andrea Bottai comes from a place considered magical by many and consistently noted for its influence on the humanities. His childhood at villa “Giullarino” of “Pian de’ Giullari”, neighboring the house of Galileo, is graced by a lush countryside and rooms boasting masterpieces now part of the Riccardo Gualino collection at the Galleria Sabauda in Turin. Bottai recalls Duccio di Buonin -segna, Botticelli, Modigliani and Picasso. Cezanne and Chagall shared his bedroom.

Bottai’s path is crossed often by noted personalities. Ottone Rosai, Pablo Picasso, Henry Moore and Nino Tirinnanzi appeared in Flo -rence. Rome introduced Franco Gentilini and Renato Guttuso and in Turin, he frequented Wilfred Lam of Cuba and the Spaniard, Sebas -tian Matta. Each left an indelible mark.

While a student of Biology in Turin, Bottai began painting. Partners in arms during bright years of “student protest,” fresh from the fa -mous foray in Paris, Giorgio Bonelli and Vito Tongiani, tutor basic technique, form and color.

Bottai’s noted professional commitment and active involvement in environmental protection take priority, but he continues artistic ex -ploration. Nature his muse, becomes a material element as wood is the favored medium.

First exhibited in 1978 at the Florentine Galleria Tornabuoni, Bot -tai’s work also contributes to group shows at La Spezia and in Turin. Presented by Maurizio Scaparro, Rome Artfest 2004 introduces the first wood series. “Teatro e Teatrini”, still seeded by nature, is growth in evidence. A constant theme of earlier work, observation noted, meets with a shift in perspective – reflecting an individual evolution.

The transmigration of flock of sheep

Galleria Pian de’ Giullari . Via Cappellari 49.-. 00186 Rome ITALYtel/fax: 06 68300299e-mail: info@piandegiullari.it