Versus: Sabrina Mezzaqui and Giovanni Frangi Debate Matter vs. Concept

In the sixth chapter of Versus, a series on contemporary art dialogue, artists Sabrina Mezzaqui and Giovanni Frangi discuss the balance between material and concept in artistic creation. Mezzaqui, known for her conceptual approach, describes her work as originating in thought, often from encounters with texts, and emphasizes a process of dematerialization and collaboration. Her piece 'I quaderni di Simone Weil' (2010-16) involved hand-copying 1,420 pages from Adelphi's edition, a six-year experience she considers more an experience than an artwork. Frangi, conversely, prioritizes action and site-specificity, stating his practice depends on exhibition venues. He discusses his struggle with materiality, citing works like 'Il posto delle fragole' (1998) and a 2001 black painting series exhibited at Panza in Varese in 'Nobu at Elba'. He notes a shift toward subtraction, influenced by monotype work in San Francisco. Both artists address delegation: Mezzaqui values shared creation and temporary communities, while Frangi uses assistants only for physical tasks, preferring direct engagement. The interview, conducted by Vincenzo Merola, explores their methods, the role of rationality versus fantasy, and the thin line between reality and poetry in art.