Banca di Bologna Hosts Francisco Tropa’s ‘Miss America’ Exhibition

Banca di Bologna is currently hosting “Miss America,” the first solo exhibition in Italy by Portuguese artist Francisco Tropa, curated by Simone Menegoi. The exhibition, on display at the Palazzo De’ Toschi in Bologna from February 3rd to March 1st, 2026, is part of the ART CITY Bologna 2026 program.

A Unique Artistic Vision

The exhibition features two site-specific installations designed to challenge visitors’ perceptions. Tropa, known internationally but less familiar in Italy, explores themes of mimesis, art, truth and imagination through his perform. Menegoi, who recently returned to his role as artistic director of Banca di Bologna after seven years directing ArteFiera, selected Tropa for his ability to address the complexities of the Palazzo De’ Toschi’s unique space.

The Installations: ‘Flashlight’ and ‘Miss America’

While Tropa previously presented variations of “Flashlight” at the 2011 Venice Biennale, the installation “Miss America” is entirely modern, marking the beginning of a new cycle in his artistic research. “Miss America” features a striking visual – sheets hanging to dry – that initially appears to be a fragment of reality. However, closer inspection reveals the sheets are suspended by bronze canes and clothespins, elevating everyday objects to the level of sculpture. Silk-screen prints further blur the lines between art and reality.

Duchamp’s Influence and the Role of Irony

Menegoi notes that Tropa’s work is deeply influenced by Marcel Duchamp, particularly in its conceptual approach and its tendency to undermine and idealize reality. Irony is also a key component of Tropa’s artistic expression, evident in the exhibition’s title, “Miss America.” The title alludes to the traditional image of a beauty pageant winner relegated to domestic tasks, while also evoking a sense of loss – a missing America that no longer embodies ideals of civil rights and equality.

Performative Elements and Perception

The exhibition incorporates a performative element, with a group of performers activating the installation four times daily. Their slow, graceful movements of spreading and removing the sheets emphasize the staged nature of the work and offer visitors different perspectives throughout the day. This complements the second installation, “Lantern with clock mechanism,” which explores perception and the mechanisms of vision, creating visual short circuits that challenge the viewer’s understanding of reality and representation.

Simone Menegoi’s Return to Banca di Bologna

Simone Menegoi’s return to Banca di Bologna as artistic director follows a reciprocal exchange with Davide Ferri, who has taken on the directorship of ArteFiera. Menegoi previously held the position in 2015, initiating the bank’s contemporary art exhibition program. He expressed his satisfaction with returning to curatorial work, prioritizing relationships with artists over the demands of managing a large-scale art fair.

Palazzo De’ Toschi: A Historic Venue

The exhibition is housed in the Palazzo De’ Toschi, a historic building in the heart of Bologna acquired by Banca di Bologna in 2005. Following a three-year restoration project, the Palazzo was reopened to the public in 2010 and now serves as a venue for conferences, exhibitions, and events. The Sala Convegni, where “Miss America” is displayed, is located on the second floor and offers a view of Piazza Minghetti.

Learn more about the Sala Convegni at Banca di Bologna.

Read the full interview with Simone Menegoi on Artribune.

Find more information on LinkedIn.