Born in 1975 in Ferrara, Italy, Roberta Cavallari studied painting at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Bologna from 1994 to 2001. In 1999/2000, she participated in a one-year student exchange in Germany and frequented the Weißensee Kunsthochschule Berlin. After her degree at the Accademia, she made a teaching qualification for Drawing, Art History and Art Education at the University of Bologna. Later, she joined a two-year specialist course in photography. In parallel, she graduated as master “The Craft of the Arts” at the MAMbo in Bologna. Additionally, she made an internship as assistant at the studio of Francesco Jodice in Milan.
This background is reflected in Roberta’s artistic work. Originally coming from painting, this form of expression is still important in her oeuvre. Her paintings are executed in a realistic manner, but include abstract forms and hyper-realistic components, which are often represented oversized. By assembling contrasting elements, her images recall surrealism and magical realism. In contrast, the subject of her drawings is the human being with its individual emotional states. The mixed media pictures seem to be a kind of synthesis. Though, the individuals become a kind of role model and real people can be found, in part surrounded by natural or surreal elements. Also, urban environments occur.
Berlin’s atmosphere at the turn of the millennium between dystopia and faith in the future, the numerous brownfield sites, almost next to construction areas of cutting-edge architecture influenced Roberta’s artistic creation, just as currents like cyberpunk and the extension of the internet. Her works deal with social criticism, focussing on society concerns, but also interpersonal issues, whereby more emotional states have recently become more important. In all of this, her art-historical knowledge often shines through. Exemplary is the video trilogy “The Dance of Life” from 2013, where she refers to Edvard Munch’s eponymous painting by the dominant colours of clothing. Here she thematises materialism, emotional coldness, self-determination, womanhood and age. As in other videos, performances are incorporated. Though, performances are also independent part of her oeuvre.
Already during her studies, Roberta contributed to group exhibitions and had her first solo show in 1999 at the N.A.K.T. Gallery in Berlin, which was followed by several personal exhibitions in Italy and many participations in her home country and abroad. Inter alia, her works travelled to London, Zurich, Buenos Aires and Mexico. Additionally, she was represented at numerous art fairs and was granted prizes and awards. On occasion, she teaches at high schools drawing, art history and multimedia languages. Frequently, her work is subject of publications like art magazines, newspapers and catalogues.
Currently her painting “Living on the threshold” is on view in the exhibition “Francesco Contenitore di Pittura” at the gallery Studio Cenacchi in Bologna (until 28 February 2026), which is our Artwork of the Month / February 2026.
Roberta lives and works between Bologna and Trento.