Christian Caliandro argues for a 'frayed' art that merges with reality
In a philosophical essay on Artribune, Christian Caliandro contends that contemporary art should abandon self-assertion and instead become 'sfrangiata' (frayed), merging with the flow of reality. Drawing on Henry Miller and Jack Kerouac, he criticizes artworks that aggressively signal their status as art. Caliandro advocates for relational, collective, and immaterial practices that prioritize encounter over exhibition. He warns against the artist's obsession with control and authorship, which eliminates the unexpected. The essay is part of a series on 'sfrangiata' art published by Artribune.
Key facts
- Christian Caliandro published an essay on Artribune titled 'L’arte oggi deve essere utile?'
- The essay argues for 'sfrangiata' (frayed) art that merges with reality.
- Caliandro quotes Henry Miller's 'Tropico del Cancro' and Jack Kerouac's 'Vanità di Duluoz'.
- He criticizes artworks that overtly signal their status as art.
- The essay advocates for relational, collective, and immaterial art practices.
- Caliandro teaches contemporary art history at Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze.
- The essay is part of a series on 'sfrangiata' art on Artribune.
- Caliandro is a member of the scientific committee of Symbola Foundation.
Entities
Artists
- Christian Caliandro
- Henry Miller
- Jack Kerouac
- Zineb Sedira
Institutions
- Artribune
- Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze
- Symbola Fondazione per le Qualità italiane
- Castelvecchi Editore
- Mondadori
- Institut français
- Biennale di Venezia
Locations
- Venezia
- Italia
- Firenze