Vincenzo Agnetti retrospective at Palazzo Reale, Milan

A major exhibition dedicated to Vincenzo Agnetti (1926–1981), one of Italy's most significant conceptual artists, is on view at Palazzo Reale in Milan. Curated by Marco Meneguzzo in collaboration with the artist's archive, the show explores Agnetti's ironic and complex practice through works such as his self-portrait titled "Quando mi vidi non c'ero" and "Quando non mi vidi c'ero." The exhibition traces Agnetti's brief but intense career from 1967 to 1981, highlighting his focus on language, wordplay, and apparent nonsense as keys to his universe. Key works include "La macchina drogata" (1968), a modified Olivetti Divisumma calculator where letters replace numbers; "Libro dimenticato a memoria" (1970) and "Libro quasi dimenticato a memoria" (1971), featuring empty readable spaces; bachelite works from the 1970s; felt pieces; and photographic projects including "fotograffie" and "autotelefonate." Agnetti studied at Brera and the Piccolo Teatro in Milan, belonging to the same generation as Dario Fo. The exhibition underscores his forward-looking approach, engaging with international art movements and anticipating contemporary concerns.