Via Margutta gallerist calls for shop windows to be draped in mourning to protest Rome's decay

Fabrizio Russo, gallerist of Via Margutta in Rome, published an open letter in Corriere della Sera calling for shop windows on the historic art street to be draped in mourning to protest the city's social, political, and cultural decay. Russo, whose gallery has been based there for over a century, rejects political instrumentalization, stating his gesture is that of a citizen doing his duty, paying taxes, and creating culture. He reports support from colleagues in Parioli, Sant'Andrea delle Fratte, Via Frattina, and Via Margutta itself. The letter cites the failed project 'Via Margutta scolpisce il contemporaneo' curated by Gabriele Simongini, which was rendered unusable by illegally parked cars. Russo contrasts Italian bureaucracy with Anglo-Saxon civil service, which ends letters with 'your servant.' He announces his gallery windows will be draped in mourning and invites others to join. Russo also mentions a current exhibition of Fausto Pirandello's works, which he believes belong in a museum. The gallery supports emerging artists. Russo has also opened a location in Istanbul.