Artist-Designed Face Masks Proliferate in Italy During COVID-19
In response to the second wave of COVID-19, Italian artists, galleries, and museums designed limited-edition face masks that served both as art and protective equipment. The 'Protect and respect' initiative, a collaboration between Alcantara and MAXXI Museo, showcased works by Andrea Anastasio, Gentucca Bini, Elena Salmistraro, and Sissi, with funds directed towards cultural initiatives. Surreal masks by Maurizio Cattelan and Pierpaolo Ferrari were sold via Seletti, aiding Fondazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla. Starting May 27, the Museo Pino Pascali offered free masks from 43 Apulian artists, while Galleria d'Arte Contini distributed masks from 20 of its artists. Ai Weiwei sold surgical masks on eBay for humanitarian causes, and Wobymask provided over 30,000 masks in Florence. Debora Basei collaborated with the Comune di Conegliano to create 'Art Cover Mascherine.'
Key facts
- Alcantara's 'Protect and respect' initiative supports MAXXI with masks by Andrea Anastasio, Gentucca Bini, Elena Salmistraro, and Sissi.
- Maurizio Cattelan and Pierpaolo Ferrari designed masks for Toiletpaper, sold via Seletti, benefiting Fondazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla.
- Museo Pino Pascali gave free masks with designs by 43 Apulian artists to visitors from May 27.
- Galleria d'Arte Contini in Venice gave away masks by 20 artists including Igor Mitoraj, Fernando Botero, and Manolo Valdés.
- Ai Weiwei sold masks on eBay for $50 each or $1,500 for 20, with proceeds to COVID-19 charities.
- LifeViralArt, by TeamLife, collected mask designs on Instagram and selected some for a physical exhibition.
- Wobymask distributed over 30,000 masks in Florence with a charity auction of artist-signed masks.
- Debora Basei created 'Art Cover Mascherine' with the Comune di Conegliano.
Entities
Artists
- Andrea Anastasio
- Gentucca Bini
- Elena Salmistraro
- Sissi (Daniela Olivieri)
- Maurizio Cattelan
- Pierpaolo Ferrari
- Igor Mitoraj
- Fernando Botero
- Manolo Valdés
- Pablo Atchugarry
- Julio Larraz
- Enzo Fiore
- Mario Arlati
- Carla Tolomeo
- Giacomo Braglia
- Francesco Salvi
- Andrea Valleri
- Sophia Vari
- Ai Weiwei
- Mathias PdS (poeta della sera)
- Mattia Baldelli Passeri
- Klet
- Fratelli Guarneri
- Tommaso Brogini
- Debora Basei (Dada)
- Andrea Pazzaglia
Institutions
- Alcantara
- MAXXI Museo nazionale delle arti del XXI secolo
- Seletti
- Fondazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla
- Museo Pino Pascali
- Fondazione Pino Pascali
- Galleria d'Arte Contini
- TeamLife
- Wobymask
- Comune di Conegliano
- Artribune
Locations
- Italy
- Rome
- Venice
- Polignano a Mare
- Florence
- Conegliano
- China