The exhibition “Vodka Cola” by Matteo Gatti at Giampaolo Abbondio Gallery serves as a profound reflection on the intricate relationships between work, place, and exploitation. Gatti employs a signature irony to explore the transition from traditional industrial practices to modern-day realities where personal and professional lives have become indistinguishable. Central to his work is an inquiry into the concept of relentless productivity, contrasted with the notion of “heroic unproductivity.” This latter idea represents a space of personal freedom, a form of resistance against the corporate drive for constant output.

The exhibition’s title references a song from the album "Gli dei se ne vanno, gli arrabbiati restano!" by the band Area, released in 1978—a period marked by political tensions in Italy as the communist party and Christian Democracy sought common ground. The juxtaposition of Vodka, emblematic of the USSR, and Coca-Cola, synonymous with the USA, serves as a metaphor for the Cold War, highlighting how both capitalism and socialism exerted control over the populace.

Through a combination of installations, photographs, and site-specific interventions accompanied by texts from Alessio Barettini, Gatti interlaces history and contemporary issues, prompting viewers to consider the spaces of resistance they can create in present and future contexts.

Exhibition Details:

• Title: Vodka Cola, Matteo Gatti
• Dates: February 26 – April 24, 2025
• Location: Giampaolo Abbondio Gallery, Via Carlo Poma, 18, 20129 Milano (entrance via Via Archimede)
• Visiting Hours: Monday 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM / 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM (by appointment)