Debate on Art Criticism's Collective Dimension Ignites in Italy
On September 3, 2023, Gian Maria Tosatti initiated a discussion regarding art criticism in Il Domenicale del Sole 24 Ore, which received replies from Michele Dantini and Christian Caliandro on September 17, 2023. Dantini expressed concern over the superficiality of specialized magazines and advocated for a revival of collective criticism, citing historical figures such as Francesco Arcangeli and Cesare Brandi. He pointed out that contemporary art's focus on glamour alienates non-experts, a situation worsened by the decline of cultural content in the media. Nonetheless, the pandemic prompted a resurgence of significant art publications by writers like Stefano Chiodi and Teresa Macrì. The article also underscores the role of artist-led collectives in fostering collaborative dialogue, noting that social media often prioritizes individualism over discussion.
Key facts
- Debate started on Il Domenicale del Sole 24 Ore with Gian Maria Tosatti on September 3, 2023.
- Michele Dantini and Christian Caliandro responded on September 17, 2023.
- Dantini criticized specialized magazines for lacking impact and becoming press release distributors.
- Dantini called for a collective dimension in art criticism.
- Past critics mentioned: Francesco Arcangeli, Cesare Brandi, Germano Celant, Achille Bonito Oliva.
- Art has shifted from intellectual discourse to glamour phenomenon in generalist press.
- Pandemic lockdown saw publication of important art books by Stefano Chiodi, Teresa Macrì, Lisa Parola, Serena Carbone, Saverio Verini, Marco Enrico Giacomelli, Luca Beatrice.
- Artist collectives cited: Luigi Presicce's Lu Cafausu, Brown, Scuola di Santa Rosa; Cosmologia by Gian Maria Tosatti; The Glorious Mother; Pensiero Stupendo (Elena Bellantoni, Luana Perilli, Lucia Veronesi, Roxy in the Box, Laura Cionci).
Entities
Artists
- Gian Maria Tosatti
- Michele Dantini
- Christian Caliandro
- Francesco Arcangeli
- Cesare Brandi
- Germano Celant
- Achille Bonito Oliva
- Stefano Chiodi
- Teresa Macrì
- Lisa Parola
- Serena Carbone
- Saverio Verini
- Marco Enrico Giacomelli
- Luca Beatrice
- Camillo Langone
- Luigi Presicce
- Elena Bellantoni
- Luana Perilli
- Lucia Veronesi
- Roxy in the Box
- Laura Cionci
- Santa Nastro
Institutions
- Il Sole 24 Ore
- Il Domenicale
- Artribune
- Marsilio
- Il Foglio
- Quadriennale di Roma
Locations
- Italy