Cesare Pietroiusti transforms banknotes with acid in Brianza performance
On September 12, 2020, Cesare Pietroiusti will reintroduce his provocative performance at the Fondazione Pietro e Alberto Rossini in Brianza, Italy. In this work titled 'Consegna all'artista una tua banconota (valore minimo 50 Euro)', participants hand over a €50 note, which Pietroiusti transforms using sulfuric acid, returning it with a certificate of authenticity. Originally debuted in Brussels in 2007 with €20 notes, this act critiques contemporary economic values. The work was notably interrupted in 2013 by Italian authorities during an exhibition in Rome. Curated by Francesca Guerisoli, it encourages reflection on financial systems and societal norms.
Key facts
- Cesare Pietroiusti is president of Azienda Speciale Palaexpo and an artist.
- Performance 'Consegna all'artista una tua banconota (valore minimo 50 Euro)' on September 12, 2020.
- Location: Fondazione Pietro e Alberto Rossini in Brianza, Italy.
- First performed in 2007 in Brussels with €20 notes.
- Participants give a €50 banknote; artist bleaches it with sulfuric acid.
- Altered note comes with a certificate of authenticity.
- Damaged banknotes can be exchanged at any bank by law.
- Performance was interrupted by Guardia di Finanza in 2013 at Galleria Furini, Rome.
- Curated by Francesca Guerisoli.
- Pietroiusti critiques economic rules as paramount in society.
Entities
Artists
- Cesare Pietroiusti
Institutions
- Azienda Speciale Palaexpo
- Fondazione Pietro e Alberto Rossini
- Galleria Furini
- Il Sole 24 Ore
- Guardia di Finanza
Locations
- Brianza
- Italy
- Bruxelles
- Belgium
- Roma