John Giorno's interdisciplinary practice explored at Triennale Milano

The exhibition 'John Giorno: a labour of LOVE' opens at Triennale Milano, curated by Nicola Ricciardi with Eleonora Molignani, supported by Giorno Poetry Systems and set design by EX. Inspired by Miart 2025's theme 'Among Friends', the show delves into Giorno's collaborations with figures like William Burroughs, Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, John Cage, Allen Ginsberg, Jasper Johns, and Patti Smith. Housed in the Cuore research center, the installation by Andrea Cassi and Michele Versaci uses pink hues and oversized reproductions to 'hack' the archive space. Over 100 posters, documents, films, books, and flyers are on display, including the iconic 'Dial-A-Poem' (1968, now at MoMA) where visitors can listen via telephone. The exhibition also features 'Perfect Flowers' paintings in the Staircase of Honor. On April 5, during Milano Art Week, a performance will offer tattoos of Giorno's famous phrases. The show highlights his AIDS Treatment Project (1984) and his 1969 Streetworks performances on roller skates.