Marisa Mori and the Futurists: A Woman Artist in an Age of Fascism

Marisa Mori (1900-1985) was a female contributor to The Futurist Cookbook (1932) with her recipe for "Italian Breasts in the Sun." Griffiths presents a feminist critique of Mori's art, focusing on gender, culture, and history, offering new critical perspectives on Italian modernism. Mori's in-between pictures help to re-think the margins of modernism, and Griffiths' book contributes to a growing body of knowledge on women who participated in the Italian Futurist movement.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Marisa Mori (1900-1985) stands as a captivating figure in the realm of modernism, making history as the sole female contributor to The Futurist Cookbook (1932) with her recipe for "Italian Breasts in the Sun." Rather than offering a conventional biographical narrative, Griffiths delves into a feminist critique of Mori's art, exploring themes of gender, culture, and history to provide fresh critical insights into Italian modernism. While Mori's contributions have been somewhat overlooked in the annals of modernism, she once held a central position within the Futurism movement in Italy. However, her artistic journey transcended the major European capitals, oscillating between traditional figurative subjects and abstract experimentation. As a result, her transitional works offer a valuable opportunity to re-examine the boundaries of modernism. By contextualizing Mori's most significant artworks within the critical framework of interwar Fascism, Griffiths contributes to a growing body of knowledge on the women who actively participated in the Italian Futurist movement. In doing so, she uncovers the struggles of a woman artist seeking modernity amidst the backdrop of Fascism.

Marisa Mori's life and career are intertwined with the vibrant landscape of Italian modernism. Born in Rome in 1900, she emerged as a talented artist during the early 20th century. Her journey into the world of art was marked by a strong dedication to experimentation and a willingness to push the boundaries of traditional artistic conventions.

In 1922, Mori joined the Futurist movement, a radical artistic movement that sought to break away from the past and embrace the future. The Futurists were known for their avant-garde aesthetics, their use of industrial materials, and their emphasis on speed, technology, and the machine. Mori's contributions to the movement were significant, and she quickly became one of its most prominent members.

One of Mori's most notable achievements was her participation in the publication of The Futurist Cookbook in 1932. The cookbook was a collaborative effort by several Futurist artists, and Mori's recipe for "Italian Breasts in the Sun" was a bold and provocative addition. The recipe featured a pair of breasts adorned with sunflowers, a symbol of the Futurist's belief in the power of technology and the future.

Despite her significant contributions to the Futurist movement, Mori's life was not without its challenges. She faced discrimination and marginalization as a woman artist in a male-dominated artistic community. However, Mori remained unwavering in her pursuit of artistic excellence, and her work continued to inspire and influence artists around the world.

In conclusion, Marisa Mori's life and career are a testament to the power of creativity and the resilience of the human spirit. Her contributions to the Futurist movement, particularly her recipe for "Italian Breasts in the Sun," have left an indelible mark on the history of modern art. Mori's legacy continues to inspire artists and thinkers alike, reminding us of the importance of pushing boundaries, embracing innovation, and celebrating the diversity of artistic expression.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350232631