Sexism and Power Dynamics in the Art World: An Italian Perspective
On December 24, 2019, an open letter from Il Campo Innocente, entitled 'Nessun* tocchi il Fallo/Fabre,' sparked discussions regarding sexism within the Italian art community. This followed allegations of sexual harassment and abuse made against choreographer Jan Fabre by former associates at Troubleyn, which Fabre has refuted. The letter, endorsed by over 200 artists, including Cristina Rizzo and Chiara Bersani, pointed out systemic problems such as inadequate welfare for artists and existing power disparities. It referenced a NABA study highlighting the underrepresentation of female artists and cited research from Amnesty International Italy (2020) indicating that nearly one-third of online comments directed at women are derogatory. The piece called for unified efforts to challenge patriarchal systems.
Key facts
- Open letter published December 24, 2019 by Il Campo Innocente
- Accusations against Jan Fabre by former collaborators at Troubleyn company
- Fabre denied allegations of sexual harassment and abuse
- Letter signed by over 200 artists and cultural workers
- NABA study 'Donne Artiste in Italia' shows underrepresentation of women artists
- Amnesty International Italy 2020 report: 1 in 3 online comments about women is offensive
- Debate highlights link between sexism, precarity, and power in the art world
- Il Campo Innocente advocates for collective self-inquiry and alternative spaces
Entities
Artists
- Jan Fabre
- Cristina Rizzo
- Leonardo Delogu
- Chiara Bersani
- Valerio Sirna
- Ilenia Caleo
- Silvia Calderoni
- Giorgia Ohanesian Nardin
- Dalila D'Amico
- Tania Garribba
- Eva Geatti
- Marco D'Agostin
- F. De Isabella
- Mara Oscar Cassiani
- Daniela Nicolò
- Enrico Casagrande
- Silvia Albanese
- Sara Leghissa
- Silvia Gallerano
- Max Simonetto
- Maddalena Fragnito
- Martina Ruggeri
- Erika Z.Galli
- Marina Donatone
- Laura Gemini
- Elsa Finardi
- Lino Musella
- Linda Nochlin
- Carla Lonzi
- Barbara Kruger
- Igiaba Scego
- Silvia Romano
- Maria Antonietta Trasforini
- Anne Schloen
- Gabriele Schor
- Maura Reilly
- Gilles Deleuze
- Sara Ahmed
- Silvia Simoncelli
- Caterina Iaquinta
- Elvira Vannini
Institutions
- Il Campo Innocente
- Troubleyn
- Rekto:verso
- Artribune
- NABA Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti
- Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte
- Chiesa del Pio Monte della Misericordia
- Museo Madre
- Studio Trisorio
- Premio Ubu
- Amnesty International
- ARTnews
- Sammlung Verbund Collection
- Brooklyn Museum
- Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art
- Hammer Museum
- Guerrilla Girls
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Documenta
- Biennale di Venezia
- Macao
- Asilo
- Valle Occupato
- Sale Docks
Locations
- Italy
- Belgium
- Anversa (Antwerp)
- Naples
- New York
- Vienna
- Los Angeles
- Kassel
- Venice
- Somalia