Exhibiting Italian Art in the United States from Futurism to Arte Povera: "Like a Giant Screen"

This book explores how Italian institutions, dealers, critics, and artists constructed a modern national identity for Italy by exporting contemporary art to the United States between 1929 and 1969. It challenges standard narratives of Italian Fascist propaganda and American Cold War imperialism and establishes a more nuanced transnational approach. It will be of interest to scholars working in art history, social history, exhibition history, and Italian studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating volume delves into the intricate tapestry of Italian institutions, dealers, critics, and artists who, between 1929 and 1969, played a pivotal role in constructing a modern national identity for Italy through the exportation of contemporary art to the United States. Spanning a significant period, this study explores the profound impact of artistic endeavors on shaping the nation's identity and cultural exchange.

Artist Fortunato Depero's establishment of the Futurist House in New York City marked a significant milestone, symbolizing Italy's foray into the American art scene. Similarly, critic Germano Celant's launch of Arte Povera in the United States brought attention to a new artistic movement that challenged traditional conventions.

However, Raffaele Bedarida's work goes beyond the confines of these two more canonical movements. He delves into the rich web of individuals and cultural environments that contributed to this project. By critically interrogating standard narratives of Italian Fascist propaganda and American Cold War imperialism, Bedarida establishes a nuanced transnational approach.

The central thesis of this book is that these art exhibitions, publications, and critical discourse aimed at American audiences went beyond immediate political propaganda and market conquest. They reflected back on their makers, forcing and helping Italians define their own modernity in relation to the emerging dominant cultural and economic power of the world.

This book will appeal to scholars engaged in art history, social history, exhibition history, and Italian studies, offering a comprehensive exploration of the complex interplay between art, politics, and national identity. It sheds light on the ways in which artistic endeavors shaped the perception of Italy and its place in the global landscape, contributing to the development of a vibrant and dynamic artistic community.

Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032081298