Set within unexpected surroundings, the exhibition unfolded inside a former sacred space — an ancient church — where architecture, photography and design entered into a striking dialogue. Foto Artisti d’Italia 1967–2007, curated by Achille Bonito Oliva, brought together a multi-generational selection of leading Italian artists who explored photography not merely as a medium, but as a tool for profound artistic research. Rooted in centuries-old traditions of painting and sculpture, their photographic works revealed an ability to go beyond surface, uncovering depth, thought and experimentation.
Following its presentation at Paris Photo, the exhibition arrived at the Visionnaire showroom in collaboration with Photology, on the occasion of Art Fair Bologna 2008. Here, photography encountered design in a new setting, offering visitors an immersive panorama that bridged artistic generations and disciplines.
Placed within spaces which I must say are surprising, not only because architecture comes from the sacred, in an antique church, but because the furniture created by Visionnaire contained within, which is I must say is almost to the limit of sculpture. A sort of short circuit is created between photography, which cools the expression and these objects, which instead create a sort of stumble, of surprise, of amazement, of emotion. I like this game of exchange, because generally sculpture is a language used by the artist and here there are a series of objects which, even if modular, are born from a form absolutely created, non functional but which adapt to the view.
Achille Bonito Oliva
Achille Bonito Oliva
Achille Bonito Oliva is a central figure in contemporary art theory and criticism. His work focuses on art as an autonomous and plural field of expression, where painting, sculpture, photography and installation operate beyond linear histories. As the theorist of Transavanguardia, he has championed artistic freedom, conceptual depth and emotional intensity, shaping the understanding of art as a living, evolving cultural language.