The 1990s: A Decade of Hidden Cultural Revolution
Marco Senaldi contends that the 1990s represented a pivotal period, challenging the notion of a cultural void. He reminisces about a joke from Flash Art Milan, where 'arcane' was used to mean 'everything is fine,' illustrating the era's general disregard. A conference held in Bologna titled 'VHS: 1995-2000 – video e televisione tra analogico e digitale' explored the interplay between video, art, and television. Senaldi references Oliviero Toscani's image of Albanian refugees for Benetton and the tragic Kater i Rades incident in 1997, which claimed over 100 lives. The emergence of the remote control and VHS served as 'light weapons' in the 'war of images.' The internet's rise and Bill Clinton's role as 'MTV President' underscored the political influence of media, with significant events like ArsLux (1994) and Critical Quest (1993).
Key facts
- Marco Senaldi argues the 1990s were a culturally dynamic decade, contrary to popular belief.
- A conference titled 'VHS: 1995-2000 – video e televisione tra analogico e digitale' was held in Bologna.
- Oliviero Toscani's photograph of Albanian refugees on a ship for Benetton became a televised image.
- The 1997 Kater i Rades disaster killed over 100 Albanian refugees.
- Marc Augé coined the term 'war of images' to describe the 1990s media landscape.
- The remote control and VHS allowed viewers to disrupt visual hierarchies and make viewing nomadic.
- Bill Clinton was referred to as 'MTV President' due to his use of television.
- ArsLux – Aria all'arte (1994) featured works by over 100 artists on billboards across Italy.
- Critical Quest (1993) was an exhibition with no artists, only critics' statements, curated by Marco Senaldi and Alessandra Galletta.
Entities
Artists
- Marco Senaldi
- Oliviero Toscani
- Marc Augé
- Bill Clinton
- Alessandra Galletta
Institutions
- Flash Art
- Artribune
- Benetton
- MTV
- ArsLux – Aria all'arte
- Critical Quest
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- Bologna
- United States
- Albania
- Adriatic Sea