Stefano Valenti on the Convergence of Visual Arts and Literature

Stefano Valenti, an Italian artist turned writer, discusses his journey from painting to narrative, the interconnection between visual arts and literature, and his new course in narrative for visual arts at NABA. Valenti studied at Accademia di Brera in Milan under Luciano Fabro and cites influences like Joan Jonas, Nanni Balestrini, and John Akomfrah. His debut novel, 'La fabbrica del panico' (Feltrinelli, 2013), won the Campiello Opera Prima prize in 2014. He now teaches, collaborates with newspapers, and is preparing his third novel. Valenti argues that art and literature are converging through shared methods of documentary research and cultural activism. He co-created a course in narrative for visual arts at NABA's Department of Visual Arts, directed by Marco Scotini, starting November 8. The course will analyze authors like Gilles Deleuze, Thomas Bernhard, and Don DeLillo to develop new forms of art writing. Valenti believes narrative creates a protected space for emotional learning and aesthetic understanding.