Christian Caliandro's 'Fase Tre' Examines Fear, Solidarity, and Art's Role in Pandemic Society
In a November 2020 two-part essay featured on Artribune, art historian Christian Caliandro explores the role of fear during the COVID-19 pandemic. He opens with a quote from Mad Max: Fury Road and a diary entry dated November 5, 2020, which captures the surreal nature of a distant reality. Caliandro analyzes the widespread impact of fear, human adaptability, and generational ennui, referencing William Blake and a comment from a YouTube video by Rozz Williams titled 'Pig.' He expresses concern over vacant exhibition spaces, urging art to connect with audiences. On November 6, he calls for an examination of social, cultural, and political divides, presenting 'IDEA 1': fear fosters selfishness, and art should reflect moral principles. This essay is part of 'Fase Tre.'
Key facts
- Christian Caliandro published a two-part essay 'Fase Tre' on Artribune in November 2020.
- The essay opens with a quote from Mad Max: Fury Road (2015).
- Caliandro describes the experience of moving through a world where normal life feels distant and precarious.
- He argues that fear permeates every aspect of contemporary society.
- He cites William Blake's 'The Marriage of Heaven and Hell' (1790) and a YouTube comment on Rozz Williams' 'Pig'.
- He laments empty exhibition spaces and argues artworks should live with people.
- He quotes Eugenio Montale's poem 'La storia' from 'Satura' (1971).
- Caliandro presents 'IDEA 1': solidarity is abolished, and art must perpetuate the sense of the human and transmit moral values.
Entities
Artists
- Christian Caliandro
- George Miller
- Irvine Welsh
- Michelangelo Buonarroti
- William Blake
- Rozz Williams
- Oskar Kokoschka
- Eugenio Montale
Institutions
- Artribune
- Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze
- Symbola Fondazione per le Qualità italiane
- Kunstmuseum Basel
- Cappella Sistina
Locations
- Roma
- Basilea
- Firenze
- Italia