A River in It (2015)
9'

Inspired, in part, by one of conceptual art’s emblematic pieces, “Swamp,” 1971, by Nancy Holt and Robert Smithson… The film opens in darkness, followed by the repetitive rhythm of breathing, footsteps, and a synthesized guitar note giving the beat. A female voice (artist Olga Pedan’s) instructs the viewer or camera-person to “Just walk in a straight line.” …In Aiello’s piece, narrative itself occurs invisibly. As with the haunting rhythm of the soundscape, which evokes obstacles including tumbling rocks, mud, exhaustion, a river, and an angry mob the voice composes space and defines visual form. Blinded both by darkness and by the glow of the fire –the fire being both the only light source and that which reveals the power of the dark environment –the gaze must follow the voice, sometimes comforting, sometimes contemptuous, sometimes oppressive. Whether or not we trust this voice, she invites us to enter a state outside of choice, where we may experiment with a process of sensing through the opacity of language, sound, and space.
- Michael Wilson, Artforum

  • Solo screening, ‘Screening with Rosa Aiello,’ 28 Mar 2019, UG screening series, Kunsthalle Zürich
  • Screening, ‘Artists’ Film Club: Hollis & Money,’ 22 Feb 2017 ICA, London, curated by Ghislaine Leung
  • Screening, ‘Hollis & Money,’ 20 Apr 2017 Künstlerhaus Stuttgart, Stuttgart, curated by Ghislaine Leung
  • Screening, ‘Open Frame Award: Go East Film Festival,’ 20 - 26 Apr 2016, Museum Wiesbaden, Wiesbaden
  • Group exhibition, ‘Embodiment,’ 20 Nov 2015 - 16 Jan 2016, Catherine Bastide Gallery, Brussels
  • Group exhibition, ‘Embodiment,’ 2 - 7 Dec 2015, Catherine Bastide Gallery at the M Building, Miami
  • Solo Exhibition, ‘Rosa Aiello,’ 9 July - 8 Aug 2015, Eli Ping Frances Perkins Gallery, New York