Roberto Ago's 'Transavanguardia Povera Reloaded' Artistic Manifesto

Roberto Ago, a graduate of Brera Academy and the University of Milan, has published an artistic manifesto titled 'Transavanguardia Povera Reloaded,' succeeding those of Germano Celant and Achille Bonito Oliva. The manifesto, inspired by Alighiero Boetti's famous one, is available for sale in an edition of twelve copies. Ago identifies twelve Italian artists as the most representative of the past two decades, including Enrico David and Enzo Cucchi, arguing they mediate between international style and local tradition. He critiques the lack of international recognition for Italian art and the confusion between aesthetic and political commitment. The manifesto is intended as a theoretical, historiographical, and paradigmatic statement, not a promotional tool. Ago declines to promote the artists, as they are already well-known. He also mentions potential additions like Mario Airò, Massimo Bartolini, and others, but deems them not yet ready. The text is part of a series of 'Critical Lessons' on Artribune.