ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Bologna exhibition maps 1980s Italian creative underground

exhibition · 2026-05-04

There's an interesting exhibition called 'Dilettanti Geniali. Sperimentazioni artistiche degli anni Ottanta' happening at Bologna's Padiglione de l'Esprit Nouveau, running until January 5. Curated by Lorenza Pignatti, it’s the result of two years of digging into Italy's artistic scene from the 1980s, especially in Bologna. The display features a mix of posters, magazines, vinyl records, drawings, and videos arranged by themes. It highlights the transition from counterculture to cyberculture and how neoliberalism shaped creativity after the 1970s, echoing ideas from Guy Debord's 1967 work 'La società dello spettacolo.' Notable figures showcased include Francesca Alinovi and the CCCP Fedeli alla linea, among others.

Key facts

  • Exhibition 'Dilettanti Geniali. Sperimentazioni artistiche degli anni Ottanta' at Padiglione de l'Esprit Nouveau, Bologna
  • Runs until January 5
  • Curated by Lorenza Pignatti
  • Two years of research
  • Includes posters, magazines, vinyl records, drawings, videos
  • Thematic constellations show transition from counterculture to cyberculture
  • References Guy Debord's 'La società dello spettacolo' (1967)
  • Features Francesca Alinovi, Giovanotti Mondani Meccanici, CCCP Fedeli alla linea, Pier Vittorio Tondelli, Movimento Bolidista, Valvoline group, Massimo Osti, WP Lavori in corso

Entities

Artists

  • Francesca Alinovi
  • Giovanotti Mondani Meccanici
  • CCCP Fedeli alla linea
  • Pier Vittorio Tondelli
  • Massimo Osti
  • Guy Debord

Institutions

  • Padiglione de l'Esprit Nouveau
  • WP Lavori in corso
  • Movimento Bolidista
  • Valvoline

Locations

  • Bologna
  • Italy

Sources