Critic Roberto Ago Examines Francesco Gennari's Minimal Metaphysics as a Model for Italian Artists
In the latest edition of 'Lezioni di critica' for Artribune, critic Roberto Ago emphasizes the necessity for Italian artists to integrate global influences with their local heritage to thrive internationally, spotlighting Francesco Gennari (born Fano, 1973) as a case study. He differentiates between 'Italian' and 'Italianized' artists, mentioning that Theo Eshetu fits neither category. Ago presents two avenues for Italian artists: relocating or receiving training abroad, as exemplified by Rosa Barba and Maurizio Cattelan, or drawing inspiration from Italy, as Gennari does. Gennari's artwork combines the Italian metaphysical tradition with American minimalism, earning him global acclaim. Ago references Simone Menegoi’s essay connecting Gennari's Ascensione series to medieval influences and cautions against merely replicating prevailing trends while remaining in Italy.
Key facts
- Critic Roberto Ago authored the 28th installment of 'Lezioni di critica' for Artribune, focusing on Francesco Gennari.
- Francesco Gennari was born in Fano in 1973.
- Ago distinguishes between 'Italian' artists (born and trained in Italy) and 'Italianized' artists (foreign-born but influenced by Italian art).
- Theo Eshetu is described as neither an Italian artist nor clearly Italianized, despite being invited to the Venice Biennale.
- Ago identifies two paths for Italian artists: emigrate/train abroad (e.g., Rosa Barba, Maurizio Cattelan) or synthesize from Italy (e.g., Gennari).
- Gennari's work combines Italian metaphysical tradition with US minimalism, a 'glocal' approach that has gained international recognition.
- Simone Menegoi wrote a catalogue essay for Gennari's solo exhibition at the Museo Marino Marini in Florence, linking the Ascensione series to medieval cosmic models and classical twisted columns.
- Ago cites Chiara Camoni's presentation at the last Padiglione Italia as an example of Mediterranean neolithic style within the neo-primitivist trend.
Entities
Artists
- Francesco Gennari
- Roberto Ago
- Theo Eshetu
- Rosa Barba
- Maurizio Cattelan
- Simone Menegoi
- Giorgio de Chirico
- Piero Manzoni
- Giovanni Anselmo
- Donald Judd
- Sol LeWitt
- Robert Morris
- Felix Gonzales-Torres
- Mario Merz
- Ettore Spalletti
- Richard Long
- Bruce Nauman
- Luciano Fabro
- Richard Serra
- Carl Andre
- Luigi Ontani
- René Magritte
- Arnolfo di Cambio
- Frank Stella
- Giotto
- Sarah Morris
- Leon Battista Alberti
- Wade Guyton
- Richard Prince
- Thomas Schütte
- Gian Lorenzo Bernini
- Thomas Houseago
- Antelami
- Antony Gormley
- Chiara Camoni
- Ai Weiwei
- Chris Ofili
- Wangechi Mutu
- Alberto Burri
- Lucio Fontana
- Giulio Paolini
- Piero della Francesca
- Pasolini
- Luigi Ghirri
- Vanessa Beecroft
Institutions
- Artribune
- Museo Marino Marini
- Biennale di Venezia
- Padiglione Italia
Locations
- Fano
- Italy
- Florence
- Venice
- Rome
- Milan
- United States
- Northern Europe
- Lunigiana