Torino Art Fair Feud: Sperone vs Bonacossa Over Flashback and Artissima

A public dispute has erupted between veteran gallerist Gian Enzo Sperone and Artissima director Ilaria Bonacossa, centering on Sperone's decision to exhibit at the rival fair Flashback rather than Artissima. In an interview with La Stampa, Sperone stated he avoids Artissima because "that is no longer my time and not my spirit," despite being honored by Artissima's Deposito d'arte italiana presente project. Bonacossa initially told La Stampa that Sperone's Flashback booth featured "desuete" (outdated) works, but later clarified to Artribune that she never used that term, expressing respect for Sperone. The controversy intensified when Flashback exhibitors and collectors began wearing "Siamo tutti desueti" (We are all outdated) T-shirts. Sperone, a key figure in the development of Arte Povera and Pop Art in Italy, opened galleries in Turin, Milan, New York (1972 with Angela Westwater and Konrad Fischer), and Lugano (2012). He argues that art fairs should integrate historical periods, citing Maastricht as a model, and criticizes Artissima for focusing on avant-garde positions. Bonacossa defends Artissima's Deposito project as a metaphor inspired by Sperone's 1967–68 Deposito d'Arte Presente, noting it is formally different. Flashback co-director Ginevra Pucci expressed surprise at Bonacossa's remarks, calling for clarification. The dispute reflects broader tensions in the Italian art fair landscape between established and emerging fairs.