Roberto Cuoghi

Roberto Cuoghi's artistic approach is distinctive: devoid of direct influences, his work defies easy classification within any traditional artistic genre.

Biography of Roberto Cuoghi

Roberto Cuoghi was born in Modena (Italy) in 1973. He studied at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts in Milan. 

In 1998, at the age of 25, Cuoghi embarked on his most renowned 'performance,' rapidly aging himself to resemble a 67-year-old man in an endeavor to embody his father. Over the ensuing 7 years, Cuoghi underwent a dramatic transformation, without the aid of prosthetics: he gained over 300 pounds, dyed his hair grey, grew a substantial beard, and developed chronic dark circles and eye bags. His prolific phase during this period was captured in his film "The Goodgriefies" (2000), which explored the intricacies of Cuoghi's transition into an elderly persona, juxtaposed with modified iconic cartoon characters. This dystopian, blockbuster-style movie garnered him widespread international recognition.

In 2017, the artist's inaugural comprehensive monograph hit the shelves. This extensive 500-page tome, adorned with rich illustrations, features fresh essays penned by Andrea Bellini, Andrea Cortellessa, Anthony Huberman, and others. Additionally, it compiles previous interviews and writings by the artist, alongside a comprehensive chronology and bibliography.

Roberto Cuoghi's recent solo exhibitions include "Pepsis" at Hauser & Wirth in New York (2023), "PERLA POLLINA, 1996-2016" at MuseoMadre in Naples (2017), "Putiferio" at DESTE Foundation Project Space, Slaughterhouse in Hydra (2016), and many more. Additionally, the artist has participated in numerous group shows, including "Contre-Nature" at MO.CO in Montpellier (2022), "The Drawing Centre Show" at  Consortium Museum in Dijon (2022), and "Arcimboldo" at Centre Pompidou Metz in Metz (2021), among others. 

Currently, the artist lives and works in Milan, Italy.

Roberto Cuoghi's Art Style 

Roberto Cuoghi stands out as one of the most enigmatic, mysterious, and captivating Italian artists of his era. Across a spectrum of unconventional methods, Cuoghi's paintings, drawings, sculptures, and animations embody a relentless urge to challenge the established, the commonplace, the sanctioned, and the comprehended. Central to his work are notions of perpetual experimentation, defiance of norms, ongoing learning, and process-driven exploration.

Throughout the past two decades, his eclectic array of works shares a common fixation on process: he continually pioneers novel techniques and methodologies to execute each piece with unwavering creative authority and exemplary craftsmanship. Every new series diverges significantly from its predecessor, showcasing Cuoghi's seamless transition across mediums as he adeptly navigates form, all while eschewing confinement to any singular style.