Oplà Performance Program Returns to Arte Fiera Bologna 2020

Arte Fiera Bologna revives its performance program Oplà from January 24 to 26, 2020, curated by Silvia Fanti of Xing. The program, titled "Oplà. Performing Activities," emphasizes durational, process-based works over traditional performance art, referencing Allan Kaprow's activities. Four artists present new projects: Luca Vitone's "Devla, devla…" features Romani fortune tellers reading futures for collectors; ZAPRUDER filmmakersgroup offers a set-performance exploring the symbiotic relationship between dogs and owners; Alessandro Bosetti's "L'Ombra" is a sound performance collecting voices from the fair; Jimmie Durham re-enacts his 2004 piece "Smashing," destroying objects brought by the public and issuing certificates of elimination. The performances occupy liminal spaces within the fair, critiquing commercial contexts. Fanti notes the growing appeal of live experiences in contemporary art, though she sees no new trends, only derivative repetitions. Xing also presents projects during Art City Bologna, including Riccardo Benassi's "Morestalgia" at Bologna Centrale station and Silvia Costa's exhibition at the Biblioteca Italiana delle Donne, and prepares for the ninth edition of Live Arts Week/Gianni Peng from March 26 to April 4.