In a significant event for the UK art scene, Serpentine is set to present “Thoughts in the Roots,” the most comprehensive institutional exhibition of Giuseppe Penone’s work in the country. This extensive showcase will span both the Serpentine South gallery and extend into the Royal Parks, featuring sculptures that highlight Penone’s enduring exploration of the relationship between humans and the natural world.
The exhibition, which will display works ranging from 1969 to the present day, offers a deep dive into Penone’s artistic journey. As a leading figure in the Arte Povera movement, Penone has consistently pushed the boundaries of artistic expression through his experimental use of materials such as wood, iron, wax, bronze, terracotta, marble, and plaster.
Penone’s approach to the exhibition is deeply rooted in his connection to nature. “All of my work is a trial to express my adherence and belonging to nature,” the artist states, emphasizing how he has curated the works to create two integrated gardens – one inside the gallery and another in the surrounding park.
The exhibition will showcase several key pieces that embody Penone’s artistic principles. “Respirare l’ombra” (To Breathe the Shadow), a sensory installation made of laurel leaves, will envelop the gallery walls, creating an immersive experience that celebrates the act of respiration. Another highlight, “Soffio di foglie” (Breath of Leaves), uses boxwood leaves to record the imprint of the artist’s body and breath, further exploring the connection between the human form and nature.
Visitors will also encounter “A occhi chiusi” (With Eyes Closed), a work that investigates the relationship between sight and the act of closing one’s eyes. This piece builds on Penone’s earlier explorations of vision and imagination, dating back to his 1970 work “Rovesciare i propri occhi” (Reversing One’s Eyes).
The exhibition will feature Penone’s iconic “Alberi” (Trees) series, including “Alberi libro” (Book Trees), a sculpture comprising twelve carved saplings. These works demonstrate Penone’s fascination with trees as symbols of vitality, culture, and sculpture.
Outside the gallery, “Gesti vegetali” (Vegetal Gestures) will create a dialogue between bronze sculptures and the trees in Kensington Gardens, further blurring the lines between art and nature.
Bettina Korek, CEO, and Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director of Serpentine, express their enthusiasm for the exhibition, noting its alignment with Serpentine’s mission to forge new connections between artists and audiences. They highlight how Penone’s work will bring the park into the gallery and vice versa, responding to the spring and summer seasons.
To complement the exhibition, an artist book designed by Atelier Dyakova will be published, featuring Penone’s drawings, new writings, and an extended interview with Hans Ulrich Obrist.
“Thoughts in the Roots” is curated by Claude Adjil, Curator at Large, and Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artist Director, with assistance from Alexa Chow, Assistant Exhibitions Curator. The exhibition will be on view from 3 April to 7 September 2025, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Penone’s profound exploration of the interplay between art and nature.
