10/05/2026
Art, whatever it takes - Interview with Marco Pezzali
Marco Pezzali was born in Rome in 1957. He graduated in Classical Studies and went on to earn a law degree. Founded in 1976, the 'Galleria della Tartaruga' has organised exhibitions of important Italian and international artists at its Via Sistina location in Rome. Since 2022, it has also held exhibitions at the Eli bookshop on Viale Somalia, in Rome.
The Galleria della Tartaruga was founded to provide a professional space dedicated to modern art, connecting tradition with the contemporary.
Beyond their extensive technical knowledge and authentic mastery of artistic language, a subtle common thread unites the Tartaruga’s artists: a strong connection to traditionand a profound reflection on the past, aimed at achieving aesthetic results and fostering a greater understanding of current issues, and even anticipating future dynamics.
RomeArtProgram: How did your passion for art begin?
Marco Pezzali: I was probably influenced by being around my family at home. In fact, my father was apassionate painter and an engineer, while my mother had a degree in sculpture from the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome.
RAP: When did the project for the ‘Galleria della Tartaruga' ('Turtle Gallery') arise, and how was the name chosen?
Marco: My father had alreadyopened his own art gallery on Via Margutta called ‘Dei Leoni’. When I was nineteen, we considered opening another gallery on Via Sistina and we decided to choose the name of a lucky animal with a long life. 'Tartaruga' ('Turtle Gallery') was an obvious choice.
RAP: How did the Galleria project evolve into a multifunctional space today?
Marco: In October 2021, I had to leave the space on Via Sistina as the owners were terminating all leases on the property in order to create a tourist hotel. Fortunately, I was 'hosted' by my friend Marcello Ciccaglioni, a renowned bookseller in Rome, who had recently opened this new 700-square-metre multifunctional space. The centrepiece is the bookshop, which hosts events, book launches, courses, conferences and sales of new and used books. The space brings together Rome's oldest publishing house, Palombi Editori, and the Orvieto-based winery 'Le Velette', whose wines are used for openings and various post-event toasts.
Finally, I brought the ‘Galleria della Tartaruga’ to fill the exhibition spaces.
This combination of entities has generated a highly functional synergy, fostering cultural exchanges and providing constant stimulation forthe various activities, which consequently thrive off each other.
RAP: What role does art play today?
Marco: In anincreasingly fast-paced society undergoing profound transformation, such asthat brought about by the advent of digital technology, the role of art is difficult to grasp.
Art is trying to establish itself in this new reality, but the digital revolution is still inits infancy. However, as has always been the case, art will continue to interpret everyday feelings and prophesise the future.
RAP: What advice would you give to an emerging artist in the contemporary scene?
Marco: In times oftransition like ours, it's never easy to give advice. Today, the gap between generations seems vast due to the shift from an analytical world to an increasingly digital one. However, I feel I can offer one piece of advice: work with intellectual honesty and maintain your passion, determination and tenacity.
As always, time will be the impartial judge.
RAP: What is the position of galleries, museums, academies, & art schools today, and what is your opinion on how they should be positioned?
Marco: It's a difficult question to answer because we're in an era of repositioning for all organisations. I just feel that they should find aneffective way to support young people, in particular, and then guide them in their approach to art.
RAP: Will art save us?
Marco: Let's hope so!
galleriadellatartaruga.com
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