The 21st Century Begins Now: Autumn 2025 as a New Era

An article by Domenico Ioppolo on Artribune argues that the 21st century truly begins in autumn 2025, ending a 25-year 'Interregnum' of cultural and political suspension between the 20th century and the present. The author, citing Christian Caliandro, identifies a period from 1993 to 2003 as a vibrant era of experimentation in visual arts, music, film, and literature—exemplified by Tarantino, Tim Burton, Matrix, Wallace, Gibson, Bluvertigo, Smashing Pumpkins, Cattelan, and Tracey Emin—that then collapsed into mannerism and commercialism. This 'Interregnum' saw postmodernism transform from liberating to conformist, with the art market demanding recognizable status symbols, as noted by Germano Celant. The suspension ended with the pandemic, systemic crises, wars, and Gaza, prompting a political awakening. The article highlights Generation Z, previously deemed 'silent,' as having spoken out over Gaza, drawing a 'red line' described by Alessandro Baricco as moral rather than political. Data from the Teen's Voice Observatory by Campus and Sapienza University shows Gen Z values justice, equity, differences, solidarity, and personal responsibility. The election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor of New York is cited as the first sign of this post-ideological generation entering history, embodying inclusion, anti-racism, and social justice. The author concludes that the real 21st century begins now, with Gen Z building a global emotional and moral space.