Adriano Altamira on Conceptual Rigoletta and the Art of Dreaming

In an interview with Roberto Ago on Artribune, Adriano Altamira discusses his exhibition 'Conceptual Rigoletta' at Fondazione Marconi in Milan, where he presents a series of redrawn photographs and graphics. Altamira explains that the work emerged from a hypnotic state, blending found and original images through drawing to achieve a cohesive and authoritative visual language. The exhibition explores themes of memory, desire, and the nature of images, drawing on psychoanalytic and iconographic references. Altamira contrasts this with his earlier series 'Area di coincidenza' and 'Ice dreams', noting that 'Conceptual Rigoletta' integrates image and drawing more seamlessly. He addresses the role of historical figures like Duchamp and Lautréamont as alter egos, the use of female feet as anti-psychological devices, and the inclusion of animals as mythological bridges. The accompanying catalog contains twelve texts that serve as keys to the work, which Altamira considers the true purpose of the show. The interview also touches on the influence of Warburg and Freud, the voyeuristic role of the viewer, and the freedom left by blank cartouches in art.