Batailles d'images: Italian Political Imagery Exhibition at Institut Culturel Italien
The 'Batailles d'images' exhibition, held at the Institut Culturel Italien in Paris from November 22-23, 2001, presented a collection of posters and documents related to Italy's May 2001 elections, which resulted in Silvio Berlusconi's ascent to power. Curated by Luciano Cheles, the exhibition explored political imagery rooted in Italy's fascist and communist past. A related symposium, 'Propagande et contre-propagande en Italie, de 1945 à nos jours,' featured Patrick McCarthy, who examined Berlusconi's rise amidst various legal challenges. Cheles also discussed the evolution of leader portraiture, drawing comparisons between Alessandra Mussolini and Cicciolina. Additionally, caricatures by Wiaz and Willem illustrated public reactions to Berlusconi's media influence, while the symposium referenced 'The Art of Persuasion,' edited by Cheles and Lucio Sponza.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Batailles d'images' held at Institut Culturel Italien, Paris, November 22-23, 2001.
- Curated by Luciano Cheles, professor at University of Poitiers, specialist in Renaissance iconology.
- Focused on political imagery from Italy's May 2001 elections that brought Silvio Berlusconi to power.
- Included posters, caricatures, and documents analyzing fascist and communist visual traditions.
- Symposium 'Propagande et contre-propagande en Italie, de 1945 à nos jours' ran concurrently.
- Patrick McCarthy discussed Berlusconi's entry into politics in early 1990s amid financial legal issues.
- Berlusconi forbade other Forza Italia candidates from using their own portraits; Antonio Cosentino turned his back.
- Caricatures by Wiaz and Willem criticized Berlusconi's media control.
- Book 'The Art of Persuasion' (Cheles and Sponza, Manchester University Press) includes Umberto Eco, Mario Isnenghi, Patrick McCarthy.
Entities
Artists
- Luciano Cheles
- Patrick McCarthy
- Silvio Berlusconi
- Alessandra Mussolini
- Cicciolina
- Antonio Cosentino
- Wiaz
- Willem
- Umberto Eco
- Mario Isnenghi
- Lucio Sponza
Institutions
- Institut Culturel Italien
- University of Poitiers
- Forza Italia
- Alleanza Nazionale
- Manchester University Press
- Le Nouvel Observateur
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Italy
- Poitiers
Sources
- artpress —