Collettivo Novecento: Hand-Painted Posters as Cultural Propaganda in Rome
Established in 2016, Collettivo Novecento comprises curator Giovanni Argan (born in Rome, 1991) alongside artists Elia Novecento (born in Rome, 1989) and Leonardo Crudi (born in Rome, 1988). This collective fuses artistic endeavors with curatorial inquiry through hand-painted posters throughout Rome, with the goal of rekindling overlooked unofficial culture. Their creations invite a deeper look into historical figures and abstract concepts. Both Elia and Leonardo have a deep appreciation for Italian poetry, crafting their own verses. The term 'Novecento' signifies the significant break of the 20th century. Based in a studio located in Rome's Alberone district, they organize annual exhibition-events. Elia's abstract designs and Leonardo's flat sculptures incorporate diverse artistic influences. The collective adopts an outsider perspective, with plans for potential travels to China in 2026.
Key facts
- Collettivo Novecento founded in 2016
- Members: Giovanni Argan (curator, b. 1991), Elia Novecento (artist, b. 1989), Leonardo Crudi (artist, b. 1988)
- Practice: hand-painted posters affixed to Rome's walls as 'cultural agitation propaganda'
- Posters are unique, non-serial works reviving forgotten unofficial culture
- Collective's name references the 20th century as a radical artistic rupture
- Studio in Rome's Alberone district, Via Gino Capponi, hosts exhibition-events 1-2 times/year
- Elia's abstraction influenced by travels in Thailand and Indonesia (batik technique)
- Leonardo's work references Italian and Russian cultural figures, uses enamel and wood
- Collective maintains an outsider stance toward the Italian art scene
Entities
Artists
- Giovanni Argan
- Elia Novecento
- Leonardo Crudi
- Valentino Zeichen
- Adriano Spatola
- Sandro Penna
- Tano Festa
- Cesare Tacchi
- Bruce Lee
- Sergio Citti
- Brunatto
- Grifi
- Leonardi
- Depero
Institutions
- Collettivo Novecento
- PushStyle
- Artribune
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Thailand
- Indonesia
- China
- Alberone
- Via Gino Capponi