Top and Flop of Bologna Art Week: Performances, Sales, and Logistical Woes

Bologna's art week around Arte Fiera featured standout performances by Jacopo Benassi and Tino Sehgal. Benassi's 'Unisex' turned the Infopoint bathrooms into a punk concert, while Sehgal's collective action involved 45 dancers traversing Piazza Maggiore for three days. The fair's Italian focus was evident in strong exhibitions: a retrospective of Italo Zuffi at MAMbo curated by Lorenzo Balbi and Davide Ferri, Sissi's anatomical works in a former church, and a show on Giulia Niccolai at Padiglione Esprit Nouveau. An exception was Andreas Angelidakis's exhibition at Palazzo Bentivoglio curated by Antonio Grulli. Logistical issues plagued the fair due to its May scheduling alongside other major fairs, causing setup delays. Director Simone Menegoi faced criticism but handled it professionally, and BolognaFiere refunded 40% of exhibitor fees. Sales were reportedly strong. Flavio Favelli opened a new 250 sqm space in an ex-warehouse at viale Antonio Silvani 5, staffed by students from the Accademia di Belle Arti di Bologna. Flops included poor services (taxi shortages, subpar food) and a disappointing exhibition dedicated to the historic gallery Neon at MAMbo, which lacked a catalog and coherent narrative. The next Arte Fiera is scheduled for January, returning to its pre-Covid slot.