Zerocalcare's MAXXI Exhibition: From Street Posters to Museum

At the MAXXI museum in Rome, an exhibition of Zerocalcare's work presents posters, illustrations, and covers, including both previously published material and unseen originals. The artist, born in Arezzo in 1983, emphasizes the collaborative nature of many pieces, particularly posters created with communities. He expresses concern about appropriating collective stories but sought permissions and aimed for a horizontal presentation. Curator Giulia Ferracci explains the show is organized thematically rather than chronologically, with sections like Pop, Non-reportage, and Lotte e resistenze, structured around the armadillo—a symbol of the artist's conscience. The exhibition also features a preview of the digital storytelling project Demopatia, made with ActionAid, Manolo Luppichini, and Ivan Giordano. Zerocalcare cites manga influences, including Ken il guerriero and I Cavalieri dello zodiaco, and pop icons like Mila la pallavolista and Dino di Denver.