ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Fabio Mauri's Retrospective at Madre Confronts Political History Through Diverse Media

exhibition · 2026-04-20

From November 26 to March 6, Madre in Naples presents a comprehensive retrospective dedicated to Fabio Mauri, showcasing more than a hundred pieces created between the 1950s and the 2000s. This exhibition underscores Mauri's examination of social issues within the Italian modernist avant-garde. Notable pieces include 'Il Muro Occidentale o del Pianto' (1993), 'Sala del Gran Consiglio (Oscuramento)' (1975), featuring 29 mannequins representing Mussolini's aides, and 'Ebrea' (1971), which includes a horse sculpture that comments on the objectification of Jews. Mauri, who was not Jewish, remarked that anti-Semitism is a reflection of universal racism. The first floor displays architectural models, while the mezzanine and third floor focus on his films. Titled 'Retrospettiva a luce solida,' the retrospective serves as a reminder to remain vigilant against totalitarianism, notably eight years after his passing in 2009.

Key facts

  • Fabio Mauri retrospective runs from November 26 to March 6 at Madre in Naples
  • Over 100 works from the 1950s to 2000s are included
  • Exhibition features 'Ebrea' (1971) with a horse sculpture and performance props made from Holocaust victim leather
  • 'Il Muro Occidentale o del Pianto' (1993) uses suitcases to represent migration costs
  • 'Sala del Gran Consiglio (Oscuramento)' (1975) has 29 mannequins depicting Mussolini and military staff
  • Mauri's filmworks, including 'Schermi' series, explore screens and mass media
  • Architectural models on the first floor show exhibition layouts
  • Mauri argued anti-Semitism is a universal racism example, warning against fascism

Entities

Artists

  • Fabio Mauri

Institutions

  • Madre
  • ArtReview

Locations

  • Naples
  • Italy
  • Sicily

Sources