ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Genio & Sregolatezza: New Rai Storia Series Explores 50 Years of Italian Art and History

other · 2026-05-04

Rai Storia has introduced 'Genio & Sregolatezza', a four-part series that airs on Mondays at 22:00, which delves into Italian history from 1950 to 2000 through the lens of contemporary art. Developed by Alessandra Galletta and Marco Senaldi, the show features insights from historians and art specialists, including Paolo Baratta and Flavio Caroli. It incorporates rare archival materials sourced from Rai, ASAC – Biennale di Venezia, and Centro per l'arte contemporanea Pecci. The premiere episode, which aired on December 2, examines Italy's post-war economic boom up to the protests of 1969. The following episode, set to air on December 9, will address the political upheaval and artistic advancements of the 1970s, showcasing works by Gianni Pettena and Vanessa Beecroft, and connecting art to historical events, such as Fabio Mauri's performance addressing fascism.

Key facts

  • Genio & Sregolatezza is a new Rai Storia series airing Mondays at 22:00, covering 1950-2000 Italian history through art.
  • The series was created by Alessandra Galletta and Marco Senaldi.
  • Contributors include Paolo Baratta, Flavio Caroli, Valérie Da Costa, Ugo La Pietra, and Francesco Vezzoli.
  • The first episode aired December 2, 2019, covering the post-war economic miracle to 1969.
  • The second episode airs December 9, 2019, focusing on the 1970s.
  • Archival materials come from Rai, ASAC – Biennale di Venezia, and Centro Pecci in Prato.
  • The series includes original footage of exhibitions at MAXXI, Fondazione Sandretto, and Fondazione Prada.
  • Senaldi cites Gianni Pettena's 1968 urban writings and Vanessa Beecroft's 2001 G8 performance as examples of art illuminating history.

Entities

Artists

  • Alessandra Galletta
  • Marco Senaldi
  • Paolo Baratta
  • Flavio Caroli
  • Valérie Da Costa
  • Ugo La Pietra
  • Francesco Vezzoli
  • Gianni Pettena
  • Vanessa Beecroft
  • Enzo Tortora
  • Lucio Fontana
  • Toni Dallara
  • Fabio Mauri
  • Franco Vaccari
  • Jannis Kounellis
  • Paolo di Paolo
  • Liliana Moro
  • de Dominicis

Institutions

  • Rai Storia
  • Rai Cultura
  • Rai
  • ASAC – Biennale di Venezia
  • Centro per l'arte contemporanea Pecci
  • MAXXI
  • Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo
  • Fondazione Prada
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Italy
  • Amalfi
  • Como
  • Venice
  • Prato
  • Genoa

Sources