The Mart in Rovereto presents an exhibition entitled “Art and Fascism,” which explores the influence of the fascist regime on Italian art between 1922 and 1943. Curated by Beatrice Avanzi and Daniela Ferrari, with an original idea by Vittorio Sgarbi, the exhibition offers an in-depth analysis through approximately 400 works, including painting, sculpture, and archival documents.
The exhibition highlights how fascism was able to adopt and shape artistic currents without imposing a unique style. In this context, avant-garde and tradition coexist, thanks to the involvement of artists in the biennials and quadrennials promoted by the regime. This system allowed various artistic languages to coexist, significantly influencing the cultural scene of the period.
The exhibition traverses different artistic movements, from Futurism to the Novecento Italiano movement. Futurism shared with fascism a love for dynamism and modernity, while the Novecento Italiano movement was promoted by Margherita Sarfatti. Despite Mussolini’s statements about not wanting to encourage a regime art, this section reflects on the movement’s importance in state art.
Artists such as Mario Sironi and Carlo Carrà are examples of the dialogue between art and fascist ideology. Their works range from monumental expressions to mural painting, reflecting the ideals of the regime. At the same time, architecture becomes a key component of fascist expression, with projects ranging from classicism to rationalism, emphasizing the power and modernity of the regime.
This exhibition not only celebrates Italian art of that period but also offers a critical reflection on how power can influence art. It invites visitors to explore the complex relationship between creativity and ideology.
Italian Version
