Critique of Animating Historical Artworks in Museums
Fabrizio Federici criticizes the trend of animating historical artworks through multimedia and video, arguing it undermines their aesthetic value. He contends that static paintings allow viewers to imagine before and after moments, while forced movement is like making a dog meow. Federici cites examples such as a video for a Canova exhibition, calling it ridiculous. He advocates for museums to emphasize their alterity—spaces for careful looking, reflection, and slow time—rather than competing with contemporary venues. Proposals include banning photos or cellphones one day a week. The article was published on Artribune in Grandi Mostre #18.
Key facts
- Most artworks before the late 19th century are static.
- Multimedia exhibitions enlarge details to immerse viewers.
- Animating paintings uses modest image movements.
- Federici compares animating art to making a dog meow.
- A video for a Canova exhibition is described as ridiculous.
- Museums should highlight alterity, not imitate contemporary spaces.
- Proposal: ban photos or cellphones one day a week.
- Article published on Artribune in Grandi Mostre #18.
Entities
Artists
- Fabrizio Federici
- Canova
Institutions
- Artribune
- Grandi Mostre
- Università di Pisa
- Scuola Normale Superiore