Print this page Art and Politics: Nationalism, Fascism and Modern Italian Art

How does art respond when politics becomes extreme? This course explores the complex relationship between nationalism, Fascism, anti-Fascism and artistic expression in twentieth-century Italy. Beginning with Futurism and continuing through the Second World War, Arte Povera and the counter-cultural movements of the 1960s and 1970s, participants will examine how artists and architects both supported and challenged political power. Drawing on works from major Italian collections, the course considers how visual culture reflects ideology, resistance and social change, while encouraging discussion of the continuing relevance of these themes today. Suitable for anyone interested in art history, politics and cultural history.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face to face
• Online

COURSE RESOURCES

• Anthony White, Italian Modern Art in the Age of Fascism, Routledge: 2020.
• Robert Lumley, Arte Povera, Tate Publishing: 2004.
• Diane Ghirardo, Italy : modern architectures in history, Reaktion Books, 2013.
• Emily Braun & Alberto Asor Rosa, Italian art in the 20th century painting and sculpture, 1900-1988. Prestel: 1989.

COURSE OUTLINE

Art & Politics: a long tradition. (Middle Ages to 1909)

• Futurism, Nationalism and WWI
• Parallels with Cubism and Constructivism
• Futurism & chauvinism.
• Works by: Balla, Depero, Sant’Elia and Benedetta.

Margherita Sarfatti & the 900 movement. (1920s-40s)

• Art and propaganda.
• Metaphysical art and the return to order through the Classical tradition.
• How rebel artists defied the dictates of Fascist propaganda.
• Works by de Chirico, Morandi, Badiali, Raphaël.

Modern Architecture and Regime: Building the Fascist Nation. (1920s-40s)

• The Rationalist movement as tool for propaganda.
• Monumental expressions of an imperialist and repressive regime.
• Works by: Terragni, Piacentini, Pagano, BBPR.

War and Reconstruction (1940-50s). 

• Art in Prisoner of War and concentration camps.
• Italy’s new (anti-Fascist) national identity.
• Reactions to Rationalism and classicism with abstraction and organicism.
• Works by: Burri, Fontana, Merz, Accardi, Guttuso, BBPR.

Counter Cultures and New Rebellions. (1960s-70s)

• The Economic Miracle and its new materialist and consumerist culture.
• New conceptual approaches and forms of ‘anti-art.’
• Works by: Lai, Pistoletto, Boetti, Manzoni.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Understand the relationship between art and political ideology
• Know Italy’s 20th Century art as a product of social and political history
• See parallels between Italian art movements and those of more well-known European and North American counterparts