Over 300 Italian Exhibits Shine in Chongqing

Chongqing - On October 25, the Art Museum of Sichuan Fine Arts Institute inaugurated the China-Italy Contemporary Art Exhibition titled IL TRITTICO DEL CENTENARIO (literally "The Centenary Trio"). 

This prestigious showcase follows closely on the heels of the acclaimed "Dimensions of Civilization" event held at the same venue in April, reinforcing the museum's commitment to fostering global artistic exchanges and academic discourse. The exhibition in Hall 9 of the Art Museum of the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute will run through November 23.

This exhibition highlights the masterpieces crafted by designers in the first half of the 20th century, drawing inspiration from the seminal works of Renaissance luminaries. The display boasts an extensive collection of nearly 300 artworks and documents. This includes over 130 oil paintings, posters, and magazines, complemented by more than 150 items encompassing books, catalogs, advertisements, postcards, and historical stamps, providing a comprehensive insight into the era's artistic endeavors. 

The April exhibition, "Dimensions of Civilization," predominantly highlighted Italian works from the latter half of the 20th century. In contrast, the current exhibit delves into the artistic fervor of the century's first half, with several pieces sourced from private collections. Together, these two exhibitions grant southwestern China a comprehensive insight into Italy's artistic evolution throughout the 20th century. Federico Roberto Antonelli, the Cultural Counselor at the Italian Embassy in Beijing, remarked, "Exhibitions in the cultural realm not only represent research outcomes but also enrich the audience experience. I anticipate that this series will pave the way for deeper engagements and exchanges in the cultural sphere."

The exhibition is thoughtfully curated into two main segments, encompassing five distinct units. The first segment features three units, namely "LEONARDO 1919", "RAFFAELLO 1920", and "DANTE 1921". These units delve into the intricate interplay between 20th-century Italian designers and artists and their homage to three titans of Renaissance art. 

Displayed pieces span a gamut of mediums - from graphic design, advertisements, and posters to furniture, textiles, and more. The collection traces a journey from the dawn of the 20th century through the waves of Futurism and culminating in the influences of the Monza Art and Biennale Arte. These assembled creations and documents keenly spotlight the symbiotic relationship between art and industrial design during the nascent phase of Italian manufacturing.

The latter segment comprises two distinct units - "The Genesis of 'Made in Italy' - Urban Evolution, Vanguard Design, and Advertising" and "Prototypical Designs and Iconic Projects in Italian Poster Art." This section shines a light on the innovative projects developed by budding Italian visionaries of the early 20th century. It delves into their visionary approach, where they gleaned insights from age-old classical pieces to envision and shape the future.

"Italy, with its rich history in art, design, and fashion, is a global powerhouse in these fields. On the other hand, Chongqing is a linchpin in China's manufacturing domain," remarked He Guiyan, Director of the Art Museum of the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute. He believes that Italy's modern design accomplishments, particularly its triumphs in industrial design, can offer invaluable insights to Chongqing, serving as benchmarks for manufacturing and industrial design. He notes that this exhibition aims to harness the potency of art to fuel Chongqing's urban growth, propelling it toward becoming the global "Design Capital." Additionally, it endeavors to create a robust platform for design art collaborations between Chongqing and Italy.