Nouveau Réalisme: 60 Years Since Founding, 50 Since 'Funeral' in Milan

The Nouveau Réalisme movement marks two anniversaries in 2020: 60 years since its founding and 50 years since its symbolic 'funeral' in Milan. On April 16, 1960, critic Pierre Restany published the group's first manifesto in Milan, preceding an exhibition at Galleria Apollinaire in May. The official founding is often cited as October 27, 1960, at Yves Klein's Paris apartment. In 1970, Restany, gallerist Guido Le Noci, and Milan culture assessor Paolo Pillitteri organized a festival that became the group's funeral. The event, held from November 27, featured provocative actions: Christo's attempted wrapping of the Vittorio Emanuele statue was blocked by the Interior Ministry; his wrapping of the Leonardo da Vinci statue was set on fire by neo-fascists. Tinguely unveiled a giant golden phallus that erupted fireworks. Niki de Saint Phalle shot at an altar, spilling paint on religious imagery. Spoerri staged a Last Supper at restaurant Biffi with edible reproductions of members' works. The movement included Arman, Hains, Dufrêne, Yves Klein, Villeglé, Tinguely, later joined by Martial Raysse, Daniel Spoerri, Christo, and Rotella. Milan's art scene, with figures like Lucio Fontana, Piero Manzoni, and Enrico Castellani, provided fertile ground. The city hosted the group's first manifesto and its final act, underscoring its international character beyond France.