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90 Italian Painters Reflect on the Meaning of Painting Today

publication · 2026-04-27

In celebration of the 100th edition of its 'Pittura lingua viva' series, Artribune has gathered insights from 90 Italian artists addressing the questions 'What does it mean to paint?' and 'Why paint today?' Among the featured artists are Marta Sforni, Giulio Frigo, and Elisa Filomena. Their reflections portray painting as an essential biological impulse, a means of defiance, a universal language, and a genuine expression, with some artists dismissing the need for justification. The anthology showcases works created between 2013 and 2021, employing a variety of mediums, including oil on canvas and mixed media. Damiano Gullì, who has been the curator for contemporary art and public programs at Triennale Milano since April 2022, oversees the series.

Key facts

  • Artribune compiles 90 Italian artists' responses on painting today
  • Series marks 100th installment of 'Pittura lingua viva'
  • Artists include Marta Sforni, Giulio Frigo, Elisa Filomena, and 87 others
  • Works span 2013 to 2021, using oil, acrylic, mixed media
  • Curated by Damiano Gullì, curator at Triennale Milano
  • Responses range from painting as necessity to act of resistance
  • Many artists reject the need to justify painting
  • Feature published on Artribune's website

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Artribune
  • Triennale Milano
  • Francesca Minini
  • Galleria Lorcan O'Neill
  • Guido Costa Projects
  • Z2O
  • Arcade
  • Monitor
  • Anton Kern Gallery
  • Cardelli & Fontana
  • White Garage Gallery
  • Viasaterna
  • A plus A
  • UNA
  • Il Crepaccio
  • Edicola Radetzky
  • Bagni Misteriosi
  • Ex Elettrofonica
  • Matèria
  • AmC Collezione Coppola
  • Collezione Rivabella
  • Collezione De Iorio
  • Postmedia Books

Locations

  • Italy
  • Milan
  • Rome
  • Turin
  • London
  • Lisbon
  • Pereto
  • Los Angeles
  • New York
  • Fidenza
  • Vicenza
  • Porto Cesareo
  • Valsamoggia

Sources