Italian Artists Reject the System: A New Moral and Transformative Art

Christian Caliandro examines a trend among Italian artists aged 20 to 50 who are turning away from the traditional art establishment. Once overlooked, these artists aim to unveil the unseen through 'scarto' (waste) in various forms. Motivated by a moral perspective, they consider their creations as models for addressing unhappiness and suffering, asserting that art can reshape reality by altering values and behaviors. This stands in stark contrast to the recent perception of art as merely decorative. Caliandro references playwright Edward Bond, who emphasizes the importance of interpreting images to prevent dehumanization. Embracing a 'non-style,' these artists resonate with earlier movements like Cubism and Dadaism, challenging the prevailing cynical post-conceptual international style. Their works capture the essence of everyday life, often blending seamlessly with ordinary objects.