Jacopo Martinotti: The Artist Who Exposes Fascism's Ghosts
Italian artist Jacopo Martinotti, born in Milan in 1995, investigates the political implications of imagery through his sculptures and monuments. He emphasizes themes of disintegration and shadows over conventional materials. In his video "Anno X," Martinotti casts his shadow on the Vittoriano monument in Rome while executing fascist-era gymnastic routines, resulting in a striking moving sculpture. He perceives shadows as the physical essence of memory and references Fabio Mauri regarding political memory, asserting that the debates over the preservation or removal of contentious statues are rhetorical. He calls for a halt to historical self-referential discussions, citing Walter Benjamin. Influences include Arturo Martini, Pasolini, Antonioni, and mentors Marcello Maloberti and Massimo Bartolini. Saverio Verini conducted the interview featured in Artribune Magazine #73.
Key facts
- Jacopo Martinotti was born in Milan in 1995.
- His video 'Anno X' projects his shadow onto the Vittoriano monument in Rome, performing fascist-era exercises.
- Martinotti's work focuses on the shadow, trace, and disintegration of sculpture rather than traditional materials.
- He cites Fabio Mauri as an influence on political memory, cinema, and reality.
- Martinotti finds both preservation and removal of controversial statues to be rhetorical.
- He quotes Walter Benjamin on bringing the work back as a note.
- Influences include Arturo Martini, Pasolini, Antonioni, Marcello Maloberti, and Massimo Bartolini.
- The interview was conducted by Saverio Verini and published in Artribune Magazine #73.
Entities
Artists
- Jacopo Martinotti
- Fabio Mauri
- Arturo Martini
- Marcello Maloberti
- Massimo Bartolini
- Saverio Verini
Institutions
- Artribune Magazine
- Accademia Nazionale di San Luca
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- Rome
- Vittoriano