Roberta Terra

ROBERTA TERRA (Padua, 1982).
“Peony,” 2025.
Collage of recycled clothing on a wooden panel.
Certificate of authenticity included.
Measurements: 58 x 41 x 3 cm.

In “Peony,” Roberta Terra expands the floral motif into an enveloping image, dominated by a large corolla that almost completely fills the surface. The composition is organized through the radial expansion of the petals, rendered in a rich palette of pinks, reds, and whites, while the background introduces hallmarks of blues, greens, and violets that intensify the flower’s luminosity.

The artist replaces brushstrokes with overlapping textile fragments, taking advantage of the differences in color, thickness, weave, and drape of the recycled fabrics. The folds and irregular edges of the fabrics suggest the fleshy texture of the petals, while the yellow threads applied to the center create a more pronounced relief and lend an almost tactile quality. The close-up view of the motif and the partial cropping of the flower reinforce its monumental character.

Beyond botanical representation, the work prompts a reflection on the transformation of matter. The fabrics, previously associated with the body, everyday use, and the fashion industry, are integrated into a new organic image. Terra thus transforms materials destined for disposal into an exuberant composition, linking the beauty of nature with an artistic practice rooted in reuse and environmental awareness.

Roberta Terra was born in Italy and currently lives and works in Madrid. After living in London for thirteen years and building her professional career in the fashion industry, she shifted her artistic practice toward exploring the environmental impact of the textile sector. She has participated in The Other Art Fair in London, Artists 360, and the Akelarre Art Fair in Madrid, as well as various group exhibitions in London, Madrid, and Milan. Her work is part of private collections.