9 Artists on Art's Role in Times of Crisis: From Street Art to Data Rituals
In a feature by Artribune, nine Italian artists reflect on how art addresses modern challenges such as the pandemic, climate change, and social exclusion. Alice Pasquini emphasizes the impact of street art in rejuvenating Civitacampomarano. Andrea Polichetti points to Rome's SPAZIOMENSA as a beacon of resilience amid COVID-19, sharing insights on his 2020 series 'Infestanti.' Elena Bellantoni draws from Albert Camus for her neon creations, while Valentina Vetturi highlights the 2020 'Keep calm and draw together' initiative in New York, promoting similar efforts in Italy. Giovanni Gaggia underscores the transformative nature of art, and Salvatore Iaconesi advocates for new rituals to comprehend climate change. Irene Pittatore argues that art must engage with conflict and daily life.
Key facts
- Alice Pasquini painted murals in Civitacampomarano, Molise, to combat depopulation and attract tourists.
- Andrea Polichetti co-founded SPAZIOMENSA, an independent art space in Rome during the pandemic.
- Polichetti's series 'Infestanti' (2020) uses large-format cyanotypes of invasive plants in central Italy.
- Elena Bellantoni created a neon work based on Albert Camus' phrase 'I rebel, therefore we exist' (1951).
- Valentina Vetturi highlighted the 'Keep calm and draw together' project in New York (2020) by Times Square Arts, Poster House, Print, and For Freedoms.
- Giovanni Gaggia has worked with families of the Ustica massacre victims and on projects for Amnesty International.
- Salvatore Iaconesi calls for new rituals and alliances with technology using data to connect humans with non-human entities.
- The article is published in Artribune Magazine #62.
Entities
Artists
- Alice Pasquini
- Andrea Polichetti
- Elena Bellantoni
- Valentina Vetturi
- Giovanni Gaggia
- Salvatore Iaconesi
- Irene Pittatore
- Albert Camus
- Francesco Arcangeli
Institutions
- Artribune
- SPAZIOMENSA
- Times Square Arts
- Poster House
- For Freedoms
- Amnesty International
- Università di Bologna
Locations
- Civitacampomarano
- Molise
- Italy
- Rome
- New York
- Berlin