Pratesi and Bassan Diagnose Italy's Art System in 'Arte in Italia oggi'
"Arte in Italia oggi," authored by Ludovico Pratesi and Marco Bassan from Giunti, examines the evolution of Italian art from the 1980s to today. In a discussion with exibart.com, Pratesi expresses concerns about Italy's art ecosystem, referencing the 'chronic ecumenism' of the 1990s and the diminished role of the Venice Biennale's central pavilion since 1999, which has impacted Italy's global standing. He also points out that MAXXI fails to adequately promote Italian artists. Bassan emphasizes the difficulty Italy faces in acknowledging new talent, often preferring 'derivative' artists due to the reluctance of those in power. He urges the creation of a national narrative addressing contemporary themes and notes trends such as 'Hyperidentity' and 'Pittura liquida,' advocating for a sustained effort to support Italian artists internationally.
Key facts
- The book 'Arte in Italia oggi' is authored by Ludovico Pratesi and Marco Bassan and published by Giunti.
- It maps Italian artistic generations from the 1980s to today.
- Pratesi criticizes the loss of the central pavilion at the Venice Biennale in 1999.
- Bassan discusses Italy's 'chronic ecumenism' favoring established artists over emerging ones.
- MAXXI is criticized for insufficient exhibitions of Italian artists.
- Bassan suggests Italy lacks a contemporary national narrative on issues like the Mediterranean and technological progress.
- The book identifies new trends such as Hyperidentity and liquid painting.
- Art is considered an 'antidote' to accelerated time.
- A follow-up publication will address Italy's role in the global art narrative.
- The authors propose criteria for artist selection including presence at major biennials and AMACI museums.
Entities
Artists
- Ludovico Pratesi
- Marco Bassan
- Agnes Questionmark
- Ambra Castagnetti
- Giulia Cenci
- Valentina Furian
- Ruth Beraha
- Paola Nicolin
- Daniele Signaroldi
- Emanuela Fortuna
- Anselm Kiefer
- Caravaggio
- Borromini
- Piero della Francesca
Institutions
- Giunti
- MAXXI
- MAXXI Bulgari
- AMACI
- Biennale di Venezia
- La Biennale di Venezia
- XNL
- UNA gallery
- Fondazione MAXXI
- Menhir Studio
- GAMEC
Locations
- Italy
- Venice
- Arsenale
- Giardini
- Mediterranean
- France
- England
- United States
Sources
- Exibart —