Enrico Mascelloni Examines Art and Geopolitics in New Book Interview

In an interview with Citofonare Nicolella, art historian and critic Enrico Mascelloni argues that contemporary art functions as a central instrument of national power and identity. His book, spanning 25 countries, challenges the idea that art is inherently pacifying or that globalization has erased hierarchies. Mascelloni contends that the art system—galleries, museums, biennials, and the market—is deeply embedded in geopolitical competition. He points to China's rapid rise in museum infrastructure and market share, and criticizes Italy for failing to translate its cultural heritage into an effective contemporary strategy. The conversation also addresses the historical role of avant-gardes in supporting militarism, and the ongoing dominance of the United States, China, and Russia in shaping global art narratives. Mascelloni aims to awaken art professionals to their complicity in valorizing specific geopolitical poles.