Il mestiere delle arti: arti minori e maggiori al Museo Nazionale di Ravenna

The exhibition 'Il mestiere delle arti' at the Museo Nazionale di Ravenna, curated by Emanuela Fiori, challenges the traditional hierarchy between major arts (painting, sculpture, architecture) and minor or decorative arts. Featuring works from private collections and artists' own holdings, the show is organized by material—precious metals, resins, textiles, ceramics, glass, stone, wood, bronze, and marble—rather than by artist, to emphasize that material does not determine artistic value. Notable juxtapositions include Igor Mitoraj's transition from monumental sculptures to delicate jewelry, and a wall pairing Guido Reni's 1639 'Cristo coronato di spine' with Luigi Ontani's contemporary mosaic 'Ecce Homo' framed in Faenza gold ceramic. Artists such as Angela De Nozza (tapestries and paintings), Gigi Guadagnucci (sculpture), and architect sisters Daniela and Marzia Banci are featured across media. The exhibition aims to demonstrate that contemporary artists move fluidly between monumental and small formats, engaging with diverse materials. The catalog includes a contribution by Claudio Spadoni tracing the use of 'poor' materials from Fortunato Depero and Cubist collage to Dada. The show runs at the Museo Nazionale di Ravenna, directed by Emanuela Fiori, with works spanning painting, sculpture, jewelry, and ceramics.