Antiquity's Living Presence in Contemporary Art

Fabrizio Federici explores how classical antiquity remains a vital force in contemporary art and society, challenging perceptions of ancient heritage as mere obligation or obstacle. Citing Salvatore Settis's 'Il futuro del classico' (2004), he argues that antiquity's inescapable presence has historically fostered a dialogue with otherness, serving as an anthropological catalyst. Several current and recent exhibitions illustrate this dynamic: 'Post Zang Tumb Tuuum. Art Life Politics: Italia 1918-1943' at Fondazione Prada in Milan (until June 25) showcases the fascist-era revival of Roman themes; Gregorio Prieto's photographs (1928-33) at the Reale Accademia di Spagna in Rome (until June 3) humorously engage with ancient statues; Piero and Barnaba Fornasetti's works at Palazzo Altemps (until September 9) draw inspiration from classical sculpture; Duane Hanson's 'Housepainter' (1984) at the MET Breuer's 'Like Life' exhibition (until July 22) echoes Polykleitos's Doryphoros; and Danh Vō's assemblages at the Guggenheim in New York physically appropriate classical marbles.