Emilio Isgrò's 'Vagabond Ant' Truck Arrives at Art Basel 2024
At Art Basel 2024, Emilio Isgrò (born 1937 in Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto) presents 'La formica vagabonda', a 17-meter yellow truck covered in his signature black cancellations, parked outside Messe Basel. The vehicle bears the red phrase 'This vehicle transports an ant', a provocative gesture symbolizing the marginalized and migrants, as well as the ant's superior survival capacity. The work traveled from San Pier Niceto, Sicily, passing through Naples, Rome, Florence, and Milan before arriving in Basel on June 7. It celebrates 60 years since Isgrò's first Cancellatura in 1964. The artist stated, 'Today it is important to make small things big, while sometimes the opposite happens: big things become small.' Art Basel 2024 runs until June 16, featuring over 280 exhibitors. The fair also includes numerous satellite exhibitions and events across the city.
Key facts
- Emilio Isgrò's 'La formica vagabonda' is a 17-meter yellow truck with black cancellations and red text.
- The truck is parked outside Messe Basel during Art Basel 2024.
- The work traveled from San Pier Niceto, Sicily, to Basel via Naples, Rome, Florence, and Milan.
- It arrived in Basel on June 7, 2024.
- The piece symbolizes the marginalized and migrants, and the ant's survival capacity.
- 2024 marks 60 years since Isgrò's first Cancellatura in 1964.
- Art Basel 2024 features over 280 exhibitors and runs until June 16.
- Isgrò stated, 'Today it is important to make small things big, while sometimes the opposite happens: big things become small.'
Entities
Artists
- Emilio Isgrò
Institutions
- Art Basel
- Messe Basel
- TGR Lombardia
Locations
- Basilea
- Svizzera
- Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto
- San Pier Niceto
- Sicilia
- Napoli
- Roma
- Firenze
- Milano