Francesco Bonami (born 1955 in Florence, Italy) is one of the most influential curators and art critics on the international scene. Known for his sharp wit and provocative ideas, he has curated some of the world’s most prestigious exhibitions, including the 50th Venice Biennale in 2003, where he served as artistic director, and the Whitney Biennial in New York in 2010.
After moving to the United States in the 1980s, Bonami became a long-time curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and later artistic director of the Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo in Turin, where he helped define the institution’s bold and experimental identity. His curatorial work spans decades and includes exhibitions at venues such as the Pitti Palace in Florence, Villa Manin, and major international museums.
In addition to his curatorial achievements, Bonami is a prolific writer and commentator. He is a regular contributor to Italian newspapers and magazines, and has authored several best-selling books that bring contemporary art closer to the general public with irony, clarity, and irreverence. His works often blend cultural critique with autobiographical insight, cementing his role as a cultural mediator between high art and popular discourse.
Bonami is recognized not only for his curatorial rigor but also for his ability to communicate complex artistic concepts with an accessible and often humorous voice. He continues to lecture, write, and curate internationally, remaining a vital figure in shaping the global conversation on contemporary art.
