When Arte Povera Encounters the Baroque

The aim of my curatorial project is to propose a show of Arte Povera, entitled “REBIRTH: Returning to Simple Objects and Messages”, which is to be inaugurated on April 29, 2021. This date will mark the one year anniversary of the passing of Germano Celant, the visionary leader of this movement. The works will be featured in a Roman Baroque establishment that dates back to the early 17th century, located in Rome, the Italian capital. This is an opportunity to propose an exhibition that combines ancient and modern, which brings together both types of audiences; those interested in seeing an important art historical establishment from the past and those interested in contemporary art. The exhibition wants to challenge viewers’ preconceived notions that certain works of art must be experienced in specific environments: for example, Arte Povera works are traditionally displayed in modern sites. By experiencing the Arte Povera works in this unconventional Baroque venue, viewers are able to experience them in a different light. The inherent juxtaposition between the Arte Povera works and the lavishness of Baroque Art is intended to invite viewers to reflect on how value can also be achieved through simplicity. I believe that given the importance of the simplicity of the materials used in the Arte Povera works, inserting them in a Baroque environment where the richness of materials is pivotal, plays a fundamental role in enhancing a crucial message: that the value of a work of art does not depend on the materials that are used to produce it. Indeed, Arte Povera artists wish to convey that elementary materials and techniques can prove necessary to create a work of art, as the work’s value is to be found in its idea and originality. I propose this exhibition in this historical moment as it is a message that directly echoes our current times. I would like for it to be a stimulus to reflect upon simplicity in this historical moment. This difficult year has raised a new wave of awareness in people around the world. Hygiene protocols and economic scarcity forced citizens of all social classes to reprioritize the building blocks that compose their lives, giving up what is not necessary and focusing on the things that lay the foundations of their lives. People have learned to appreciate those activities that would have been given for granted in normal times: a walk in the park, a conversation with a friend. Similarly, Arte Povera allows us to remove everything that is superfluous, additional, taking us back to the most basic and primordial materials that compose a work of art. Therefore, seeing the Arte Povera works in such an establishment allows viewers to further appreciate the contrast in materials and acknowledge that simplicity can be essential and a source of value. Furthermore, visitors will see how two seemingly opposing artistic movements can enhance each other and show the breadth of Italian cultural heritage