Lea Vergine: l'arte è il superfluo che ci rende meno infelici

In an exclusive interview featured in Artribune, Stefania Gaudiosi engages with Lea Vergine, a Neapolitan art critic and curator known for seminal works such as 'L'altra metà dell'avanguardia 1910-1940' (Mazzotta, 1980) and 'Body art e storie simili' (Skira, 2000). Born in Naples, Vergine shares her childhood experiences between two families, her move to Milan, and her relationship with her husband, Enzo Mari. She characterizes art as a 'superfluous' yet essential element for happiness, referencing Morton Feldman: 'Art teaches nothing about life, just as life teaches nothing about art.' Her book 'L'arte non è faccenda di persone perbene' (Rizzoli, 2016), in dialogue with Chiara Gatti, reflects on her unconventional career. Vergine emphasizes that art exposes trauma, suggesting that pain can broaden the mind. This interview is part of the series 'L'arte è un delfino,' exploring themes like the futility of art, the body as language, and the need to revisit 'Attraverso l'Arte. Pratica politica. Pagare il '68' (Arcana, 1976).