Art's Role in the Unimaginable: A Pandemic Reflection
Christian Caliandro reflects on how the COVID-19 pandemic challenges imagination and understanding, arguing that art can engage with the 'unimaginable' that has entered daily life. He suggests that artworks, functioning like votive shrines, can establish direct relationships with individuals and communities, offering a way out of rigid systems. Caliandro cites Laura Cionci's comment from Australia about a potential split in the art world between a more closed, competitive system and something new and real. He references Eugenio Montale's poem 'Lettera a Malvolio' (1971) and the concept of 'seeking hope in its negative' as a strategy for creative survival. The article includes images of works by Luigi Presicce ('Arlecchini del paradiso', 2020) and Laura Cionci ('Bearpower', 2020).
Key facts
- Christian Caliandro wrote the article for Artribune in March 2020.
- The article is part of a series called 'L'arte rotta' (Broken Art).
- Luigi Presicce's painting 'Arlecchini del paradiso' (2020) is mentioned.
- Laura Cionci's watercolor 'Bearpower' (2020) is mentioned.
- Caliandro teaches contemporary art history at Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze.
- Caliandro is a member of the scientific committee of Symbola Foundation.
- Eugenio Montale's poem 'Lettera a Malvolio' (1971) is referenced.
- The article discusses the impact of the pandemic on the art world.
Entities
Artists
- Christian Caliandro
- Luigi Presicce
- Laura Cionci
- Eugenio Montale
- Pier Paolo Pasolini
Institutions
- Artribune
- Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze
- Symbola Fondazione per le Qualità italiane
Locations
- Australia
- Firenze
- Italy