Emoji and Physiognomy: A Chaotic Exhibition at Turin's Cinema Museum

On July 17, 2019, the Museo Nazionale del Cinema in Turin launched an exhibition celebrating human expressions in honor of World Emoji Day and the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci. Curated by Donata Pesenti Campagnoni and Simone Arcagni, the exhibition occupies the Rampa Elicoidale and the Orecchia, showcasing 180 pieces, which include 55 originals, 43 physiognomy plates, video montages, and apps. Notable features comprise emoji adaptations of Moby Dick and Pinocchio, along with the Emojitracker by Matthew Rothenberg. Historical contributions include works by Giovan Battista della Porta and Johann Kaspar Lavater, while contemporary artists like Antonio Daniele and Bill Viola are also represented. The exhibition concludes with a sound installation from the Conservatory of Turin, though it has faced criticism for its chaotic and superficial nature.