40 Years After Ustica: 14 Artists and Curators Reflect on the Massacre
As the Ustica massacre marks its 40th anniversary on June 27, 1980, Artribune showcases insights from 14 artists and curators regarding the significance of art in memory and justice. Giovanni Gaggia opens the discussion by reflecting on his path to the 2016 release of INVENTARIUM and a subsequent debate in Marzocca di Senigallia in 2017. A recent ruling from a Rome appeals court mandated the Ministries of Transport and Defense to compensate ITAVIA's heirs with €330 million. Featured contributors, including Adalberto Abbate, Elena Bellantoni, Mario Consiglio, and Rocco Dubbini, explore themes of political commitment, the Bologna bombing connection (August 2, 1980), and the vital link between art and memory, highlighting art's role in civic engagement and emotional resonance in historical preservation.
Key facts
- The Ustica massacre occurred on June 27, 1980, when Itavia Flight IH870 crashed near Ustica, killing 81 people.
- A Rome appeals court recently ordered the Ministries of Transport and Defense to pay €330 million in damages to the heirs of ITAVIA's owner.
- Giovanni Gaggia initiated a project around the Ustica massacre 10 years ago, resulting in the publication INVENTARIUM (2016) and a 2017 debate.
- INVENTARIUM was edited by Serena Ribaudo with poems by Davide Quadrio, published by Maretti editore.
- The 14 contributors include artists Adalberto Abbate, Elena Bellantoni, Mario Consiglio, Rocco Dubbini, Filippo Riniolo, Giuseppe Stampone, and Cosimo Terlizzi.
- Curators involved are Christian Caliandro, Francesco Cascino, Maurizio Coccia, Cristiana Colli, Aldo Grassini, Paola Nicita, and Stefano Verri.
- Christian Boltanski's installation at the Ustica Museum features nine black crates containing personal objects of the victims.
- The Bologna station bombing occurred on August 2, 1980, two months after Ustica.
Entities
Artists
- Adalberto Abbate
- Elena Bellantoni
- Mario Consiglio
- Rocco Dubbini
- Filippo Riniolo
- Giuseppe Stampone
- Cosimo Terlizzi
- Christian Boltanski
- Giovanni Gaggia
- Serena Ribaudo
- Davide Quadrio
Institutions
- Artribune
- Maretti editore
- Demanio Marittimo.Km-278
- Ministry of Transport
- Ministry of Defense
- ITAVIA
- Ustica Museum
- Rome appeals court
Locations
- Ustica
- Italy
- Bologna
- Palermo
- Ancona
- Marzocca di Senigallia
- Rome
- Ciampino Airport
- Punta Raisi Airport
- Falcone Borsellino Airport
- Bologna Centrale Station