ON LANGUAGE AND ECSTASY – A GENERATION IN ITALIAN ART

PRESS RELEASE

The contemporary Italian art scene is multifaceted and nuanced, characterized by distinct artistic groups and pronounced regional differences. These traits are deeply rooted in Italy’s historical development, where local identities have always been strong, as well as in the structural organization of the country’s art world.

Italy’s prominent contemporary art hubs are Turin, Milan, and Rome. The two northern industrial cities are geographically and culturally closer to Central Europe, and as a result, the artistic innovations of the 1960s and 1970s were more prominent there. During this period, informalism gave way to a more restrained visual language and a broader conceptualization of art. This shift gave rise to Arte Povera, an artistic movement that emphasized simplicity and made use of everyday, often humble materials. Its connections to international minimalism and conceptual art are evident in various ways within the works.

The artists featured in this exhibition emerged in this dynamic atmosphere. Some were directly associated with Arte Povera. What unites them is their experimental approach, both in terms of artistic content and the materials they use. They emphasize a personal, movement-independent relationship with their art-making, expressed through works created from diverse materials, laser installations, neon light artworks, or elements inspired by classical sculpture.

The exhibition showcases twelve artists: Alighiero e Boetti, Antonio Dias, Marco Gastini, Giorgio Griffa, Paolo Icaro, Eliseo Mattiacci, Maurizio Mochetti, Maurizio Nannucci, Claudio Olivieri, Giulio Paolini, Giuseppe Spagnulo, and Gilberto Zorio.

A comprehensive 150-page exhibition catalog accompanies the show, offering a detailed exploration of the artists and the various artistic expressions and movements that have shaped Italian art over recent decades.