A Difficult Heritage: Fascist-Era Art and Architecture Out of its Time

Urban projects, architectural monuments, and works of art from the Fascist era in Italy are protected by preservation laws as part of the country's cultural heritage. However, they also serve as a focal point of contentious debate and political conflict as Italy deals with its Fascist and colonial past. This volume explores the material history of these artifacts, their post-Fascist reception, and the challenges of restoration, display, and critical preservation in public and institutional spaces.

Format: Hardback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 12 February 2024
Publisher: Silvana

Numerous urban projects that emerged during the Ventennio have left an indelible mark on the Italian landscape, standing as enduring symbols of Fascist visual culture in contemporary Italy. These artifacts, recognized as part of the nation's cultural heritage, are safeguarded by preservation laws. However, in the complex and ongoing process of confronting Italy's Fascist and colonial past, they have also become a focal point of critical debate and political contention.

The central theme of this volume revolves around the material history of Fascist-era artworks, monuments, and architecture in Italy. It delves into their post-war existence, reception, and the challenges associated with their preservation and display in public and institutional spaces. By exploring the theoretical concept of "difficult heritage" in relation to the unique characteristics of the Italian context, the volume compares and contrasts its findings with other nations.

Contributions from esteemed scholars and experts in the field provide valuable insights into the complexities of preserving and interpreting Fascist-era heritage. The texts explore various aspects, including restoration practices, exhibition strategies, and the ethical considerations involved in preserving artifacts that evoke a controversial past.

The volume is organized into several chapters, each dedicated to a specific aspect of Fascist-era heritage. These chapters feature case studies, analyses, and discussions that shed light on the preservation challenges and opportunities faced by different regions and institutions in Italy.

Overall, this volume serves as a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the material legacy of Fascist visual culture in Italy. It offers valuable insights into the complexities of preserving and interpreting this heritage, contributing to the ongoing dialogue and debate about Italy's past and its implications for the present.

Dimension: 275 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788836654482