Wed, Jul 29, 2009 - Page 15 News List

Futurism without a past

Futurism is a centenary exhibit that focuses on the Futurist movement’s obsession with youth, speed and technology while glossing over its more violent, fascist elements

By Noah Buchan  /  STAFF REPORTER

Whereas the earlier canvases portray a terrestrial perspective, Tullio Crali transports the viewer up into the sky Incuneandosi Nell’abitato. Here we see the city from an airplane cockpit as it nosedives towards the ground.

Though concerned with depicting the latest technological advancements and their effects on human perceptions, the Futurists were also interested in putting their stamp on everyday items, as is demonstrated by the clothing, sculpture and furniture that make up the middle part of the exhibit.

These objects along with the themes of the paintings demonstrate the relevance of the Futurists to our own society. And yet, it’s difficult to imagine that the organizers weren’t aware of the message they were sending when they decided to hold an exhibit of artists who celebrated war and fascism — without focusing on the more politically sensitive aspects of the movement — within the walls of a monument built to memorialize a right-wing dictator.

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