Paola Valenzano

I was born under the Roman sun in August 1971, and perhaps for this reason the first word I uttered was “yellow.”

I am driven by deep curiosity, and my true specialty lies in asking questions. I have studied a variety of techniques and disciplines, with a particular inclination toward the artistic, anthropological, and psychological fields.

After earning a degree in Anthropology at La Sapienza University in Rome and completing studies in Art Restoration, I worked for several years in the conservation and restoration of artworks. There, I learned to value the time of care, transformation, and necessary patience. My encounter with Native Art became the most powerful call toward my own artistic practice, which I began in my early thirties after studying, among other things, wood sculpture, photography, engraving, plastics, and mold-making. Since then, I have participated in numerous group and solo exhibitions, mainly within independent cultural circuits.

My course is mobile and ever-changing, guided by intuition—when I manage not to interfere with it. Over time, my research has developed in two directions. On one side, toward intimate and symbolic themes, integrating psychological inquiry and family memories, and embracing techniqu...

• Diploma from the IV State Art High School of Rome
• Three-year Photography Course at the Vittorino da Feltre Municipal School, Rome
• Engraving Course at the headquarters of the National Association of Engravers, Rome
• Three-year IAL Course for a Diploma in Art Restoration
• Bachelor’s Degree in Theories and Practices of Anthropology (Sapienza University of Rome) – 110/110 with honors
• Three-year Wood Sculpture Course at the School of Ornamental Arts, Rome
• Course in Plastic Modeling and Molding at the School of Ornamental Arts, Rome
• INTEGRANIMATION Project – 3D animation with plasticine, at Studio Sartorio
• Master’s Degree in Art Therapy at the Academy of Fine Arts of Rome – 110/110 with honors

Selected Exhibitions & Artistic Projects:

​2006 – Mediterraneo, GARD Gallery, Rome.
​2006 – Le mani sanno... (The hands know), wood sculpture group exhibition, Franco Basaglia Library, Rome.
​2007 – Isole (Islands), 8th International Artist’s Book Exhibition, Casanatense Library, Rome.
​2007 – The Body, Eyelight Gallery, Rome.
​2007 – Artincorpo, La Maddalena (OT).
​2008 – La materia ri-nata (Re-born matter), GARD Gallery, Rome.
​2009 – Technè, Pavilion 31, Santa Maria della Pietà, Rome.
​2010 – Domina - la figura femminile, Castello Dell'Abate (SA).
​2010 – Plesso Solare, Vi(ci)no, Rome.
​2011 – Convivio di Circe, Cerveteri (RM).
​2011 – But the colors are not enough?, Contemporaneo Rooms, Rome.
​2011 – Rome Biennale Selections, Widework Art Studio, Rome.
​2012 – IX International Art Biennale, Sale del Bramante, Rome.
​2012 – Arteggiamoci, Baccina 66 Gallery, Rome.
​2012 – Tramando tessendo, textile craft competition, Palazzo Rospigliosi.
​2012 – Tre giorni di Resistenza creativa (Three days of Creative Resistance), CAE, Rome.
​2012 – La materia rinata, CAE, Rome.
​2013 – Il Giocattolo (The Toy), international exhibition and competition, Palazzo Rospigliosi, Zagarolo.
​2014 – Il Giocattolo (The Toy), Winners' Exhibition, Pala...