Christian Caliandro and Laura Cionci Exchange Neovernacular Reflections on Reality

In a published correspondence on Artribune, art historian Christian Caliandro and artist Laura Cionci discuss the neovernacular approach to reality, drawing on an anecdote about Paolo Borsellino and Giovanni Falcone. Caliandro shares a story from Luca Rossi's account: during an investigation, Falcone and Borsellino feared a discrepancy in Tommaso Buscetta's description of a villa—a missing fireplace—would discredit the witness. Borsellino casually asked the caretaker about heating, who revealed the fireplace was moved to the garden in summer, confirming Buscetta's truthfulness. Cionci responds by reflecting on the need to engage with reality without preconceptions, citing the film "Labyrinth" as an example of hidden truths. Caliandro connects this to "Return to Oz" and the neovernacular movement in Italian art, emphasizing that nothing is as it seems. Cionci concludes that neovernacular art, like simple ingredients of bread, oil, and salt, requires purity and simplicity. The exchange explores themes of perception, trust, and the artist's role in navigating multiple realities.