Giuseppe Penone: Thoughts in the Roots

David Trigg | Studio International | 19th May 2025

Arte povera came to prominence in 1960’s Italy as a celebration of natural materials. Penone, a star of the movement, is famous for his many works – especially sculptures – featuring trees. All well and good but a London “mini-retrospective” has critics struggling to show much enthusiasm. The linked piece tries hard before admitting that the show feels “unduly modest” and many of the works are “underwhelming”. The show, says one writer, is “a beautiful idea but with underpowered results.”.