Mirella Bentivoglio Retrospective at Galleria Nazionale Challenges Visual Poetry Prejudices
A retrospective at the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea in Rome, timed to the centenary of her birth, showcases Mirella Bentivoglio (1922–2017), a key figure in visual poetry. The exhibition counters the perception of visual poetry as abstruse, highlighting the immediate impact of her 1960s–1970s works. A video interview reveals Bentivoglio's distinction between 'visual poets' (focused on the signifier) and 'conceptual artists' (focused on the signified), and her advocacy for women in art, arguing for a freer 'childlike' female gaze. Notable works include 'Bisogna farsi largo' (1969), where the word 'largo' expands horizontally, merging language and image. The show was curated by the Galleria Nazionale.
Key facts
- Mirella Bentivoglio was born in Klagenfurt in 1922 and died in Rome in 2017.
- The retrospective is held at the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea in Rome.
- The exhibition marks the centenary of Bentivoglio's birth.
- Bentivoglio is considered a leading exponent of visual poetry.
- The show includes a video with interviews where Bentivoglio distinguishes visual poets from conceptual artists.
- Bentivoglio called for more space for women in art, citing a freer female perspective.
- The work 'Bisogna farsi largo' (1969) exemplifies her verbovisual approach.
- The article was written by Pericle Guaglianone for Artribune.
Entities
Artists
- Mirella Bentivoglio
Institutions
- Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea
- Artribune
Locations
- Klagenfurt
- Austria
- Rome
- Italy