Renato Barilli on the ethics of temporary exhibitions

Renato Barilli argues that temporary exhibitions are permissible and often necessary, especially in Italy where local institutions lack strong permanent collections. However, he criticizes the tendency to focus on already famous artists like Warhol, Miró, Chagall, Magritte, and Modigliani, which he calls 'raining on the wet.' He recounts his experience as a member of the Fondazione Magnani in Mamiano di Traversetolo, where he promoted a monographic exhibition on Jean Fautrier but was blocked from doing one on Wols, with the president preferring a show on Warhol. Barilli calls for curators and critics to refuse participation in exhibitions that lack scientific necessity and merely attract crowds. He notes that after Warhol, the foundation continued with shows on Severini and Sironi, all reviewed in major press, to his dismay.