Decline of Artistic Manifestos: Contemporary Art Speaks in Many Voices

The exhibition 'Futurismo e Ritorno all'ordine' at Casa Saraceni in Bologna prompts reflection on the disappearance of artistic manifestos in contemporary art. Curated to juxtapose Futurism's embrace of speed and modernity with the Return to Order's focus on tradition and balance, the show highlights two opposing visions of the future from early 20th-century Italian art. The article argues that today's artists no longer unite under shared manifestos; instead, they coalesce around themes like sustainability, social engagement, and participation without formal declarations. The exhibition serves as a lens to examine how the role of the artist has shifted from seeking universal answers to posing open questions. The piece also references other current shows, including GLASSTRESS in Venice, a photography exhibition by Laura Veschi, and Antonio Barrese's show at Fondazione Marcello Morandini, as well as Alfred Eisenstaedt exhibitions in Venice and Abano.