Jannis Kounellis's 1969 Performance with Live Horses in Rome

In 1969, Jannis Kounellis staged a performance titled Untitled / 12 Live Horses at the Galleria L'Attico in Rome. The work involved twelve live horses tethered within the gallery space, challenging traditional art forms and materials. This event is a landmark in the Arte Povera movement, emphasizing raw, organic elements over conventional mediums. Kounellis, a Greek-born artist, was central to this Italian avant-garde group, which sought to blur boundaries between art and life. The performance occurred in Rome, Italy, and was documented by artcritical on November 21, 2010. It remains a pivotal example of how live animals were incorporated into conceptual art during the late 1960s. The use of horses symbolized a departure from static objects, inviting dynamic interaction and questioning institutional norms. This piece continues to influence contemporary discussions on performance and installation art.