Davide Balliano (Turin, IT 1983) is an artist whose research operates on the thin line of demarcation between painting and sculpture. Utilizing an austere, minimal language of abstract geometries in strong dialogue with architecture, his work investigates existential themes such as the identity of man in the age of technology and his relationship with the sublime.
Through a practice that is self-described as monastic, austere and concrete, Balliano’s meticulous paintings appear, upon first glance, clean and precise. However, closer inspection reveals scrapes and scratches that uncover the organic wooden surface underneath the layers of paint, as a decaying façade of abandoned modernistic intentions.
In addition to painting, Davide Balliano is also known for his sculptural work, which translates the visual vocabulary found in his paintings into solid objects, often in stainless steel or ceramic.
Originally trained in photography, Balliano shifted to painting and sculpture in 2006 while relocating to New York City, where he currently resides and works.
Recent solo exhibitions include Cardi Gallery, London (2024) Tina Kim Gallery, New York (2023, 2021, 2019, 2017), Cardi Gallery, Milan (2022), Museo Novecento, Florence (2019), Dirimart Gallery, Istanbul (2019), Bottega Veneta Maison, New York (2018), Marca Museum, Catanzaro (2018), 39 Great Jones, New York (2018), Luce Gallery, Torino (2017 / 2015), Timothy Taylor Gallery, London (2015), Room East, New York (2014), Galerie Rolando Anselmi, Berlin (2013), Michel Rein Gallery, Paris (both 2013) and Location One, New York (2011). His work has been included in group exhibitions at Assembly, Monticello NY (2024), The Margulies Collection, Miami (2022), Magazzino Italian Art, Cold Spring NY (2020), Tina Kim Gallery, New York (2019), David Zwirner Gallery, New York (2015), Sean Kelly Gallery, New York (2014, 2010), Madre Museum, Naples (2012), the Quadrilateral Biennial in Rijeka, Croatia (2011), The Watermill Centre, New York (2011, 2009), MoMA PS1, New York and the Espai d’Art Contemporani de Castelló, Castellón (all 2010).
