People

At the heart of the Mario Rimoldi Museum of Modern Art in Cortina d’Ampezzo, a remarkable exhibition, Neo Pop: Eternal Metamorphosis of a Myth, has taken center stage. Running from December 5, 2024, to April 21, 2025, the showcase features 15 groundbreaking artists of the Neo Pop movement, redefining contemporary artistic language for a global audience. We caught up with curator Giorgio Chinea Canale to dive into the exhibition's essence and significance.

Q1: Who are the artists involved in the Neo Pop exhibition at the Mario Rimoldi Museum of Modern Art?
Giorgio Chinea Canale: The exhibition was a collaborative vision, and I had the privilege of curating it. We’re featuring iconic figures of the Neo Pop movement, such as Marco Lodola and Gianni Cella, whose works date back to the late ‘80s and early ’90s. They’re joined by contemporary talents like Giuseppe Veneziano, Fulvia Mendini, Laurina Paperina, Francesco De Molfetta, Fulvia Mendini, Endy Blue Vertigo, Pao, Giovanni Motta and The Bounty Killart , Waro and Erk 14, among others. International artists, including Tomoko Nagao from Japan, Gabriel Ortega from Colombia, and Albert Pinya from Spain, also bring diverse perspectives to this collective. Each artist’s contribution underscores the dynamism and evolution of Neo Pop.

Q2: What defines the artistic essence of the Neo Pop movement showcased in this exhibition?
Giorgio Chinea Canale: Neo Pop embodies the vibrant energy of the MTV generation, combining the immediacy of popular culture—cinema, cartoons, fashion, and comic books—with deep academic and classical references. It’s a movement that juxtaposes high and low reference art, creating a dialogue that is accessible yet profoundly intellectual. The works reflect a world of rapid cultural shifts and embrace an eclecticism that resonates with the diverse sensibilities of today’s audiences.

Q3: What unique styles and narratives do artists like Marco Lodola, Gianni Cella, and Waro bring to the exhibition?
Giorgio Chinea Canale: Each artist brings a distinct voice to the collective. Marco Lodola’s luminous sculptures celebrate the vibrant imagery of pop culture with a mesmerizing simplicity. Gianni Cella’s art, on the other hand, critiques societal power dynamics with satirical precision, yet his work remains light and reflective. Waro introduces us to an otherworldly narrative, imagining futuristic humanoids that populate a mystical urban pop universe. These interpretations are just a glimpse into the depth of creativity present in Neo Pop.

Call to Action:
The Neo Pop: Eternal Metamorphosis of a Myth exhibition is more than just an artistic display; it’s a cultural milestone that bridges generational and artistic gaps. To capture the essence of this transformative movement, we’re calling on international producers to collaborate on a documentary that explores the exhibition’s stories, artists, and global impact.
This is a rare opportunity to shine a spotlight on the Neo Pop movement and its revolutionary approach to art. If you are passionate about culture and innovation, join us in bringing this visionary project to life on film. Let’s create something truly timeless together.

Giorgio Chinea Canale is an Italian art curator, conceptual artist, and gallerist renowned for his contributions to contemporary art, particularly within the Neo Pop movement. Born in Padua, Italy, he graduated from the DAMS (Discipline delle Arti, della Musica e dello Spettacolo) program in 2012, presenting a thesis on Performance Art and Marina Abramović.
In 2017, Giorgio founded the Giorgio Chinea Art Cabinet in Padua, a concept gallery inspired by the Wunderkammer, featuring three showcases within the historic Caffè Pedrocchi. This space has hosted dynamic, site-specific projects by various artists, reflecting his commitment to innovative curatorial practices.
Beyond his gallery endeavours, Giorgio has curated significant exhibitions, including "I Bortoluzzi a Cortina. La dinastia del paesaggio" at the Museo d’Arte Moderna Mario Rimoldi in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
His multifaceted career also encompasses roles as an art director for events like TEDxCortina and as a performer, showcasing his versatility within the art world.
Giorgio's work is characterized by a blend of academic rigor and engagement with popular culture, aiming to make art accessible while maintaining intellectual depth. His contributions continue to influence the contemporary art scene, fostering dialogues that bridge traditional and modern artistic expressions.