Davide Ferri

Davide Ferri (Forlì, 1974) is a Professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna where he teaches Museography, Exhibition Space Design across Sculpture and Graphic Art departments, and Ergonomics of Exhibitions. He maintains an active dual career as both academic and independent curator based in Rome.

Professor Ferri's research explores the theoretical foundations of exhibition spaces, analyzing walls, floors, ceilings and corners as integral components of artistic experience. His work investigates how spatial design shapes viewer perception, with particular focus on spectatorship ergonomics and the historical evolution from 19th century painting to contemporary relational aesthetics. He examines frames, bases, and the relationship between artwork and viewer's body through both theoretical frameworks and practical applications.

Since 2019, Ferri has curated the 'Pittura XXI' section at Arte Fiera in Bologna and has led the Art Section of the Ipercorpo Theatre Festival since 2012. His recent curatorial projects include 'Hm, He, Ha' (2024), 'Patrick Tuttofuoco, Abandon Your Eyes' (2024), 'Paintings as Places' for Bergamo Brescia Italian Capital of Culture (2023), and 'Bettina Buck, Finding Form' (2023) at Palazzo De' Toschi, Bologna. He maintains regular collaborations with Palazzo De' Toschi - Banca di Bologna and the Coppola Foundation in Vicenza.

His teaching methodology combines theoretical discussions with practical exercises and class discussions. Assessment occurs through oral interviews, with course materials drawing from seminal texts by Brian O'Doherty, Georges Perec, Vincenzo Di Rosa, and others exploring exhibition space theory and history. Professor Ferri holds office hours on Mondays from 2:30pm to 6:30pm.