ARTE POVERA - BY GERMANO CELANT

ARTE POVERA - BY GERMANO CELANT

Published by: Mazzotta, 1969, first edition

Softcover, 240 pages

22 x 22 cm

Language: English, Italian

Condition: Very Good

Arte Povera by Germano Celant, first published in 1969 by Mazzotta, is a defining document of the Italian art movement Arte Povera, which translates to "Poor Art." This book explores the groundbreaking works of the artists associated with this movement, showcasing their experimental approaches to materials, space, and conceptualization in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Arte Povera, a term coined by Celant himself, emphasized using everyday, often humble materials like soil, stones, and cloth, which were in stark contrast to the traditional use of fine art materials.
The book includes a rich selection of black-and-white illustrations documenting the works and installations of prominent figures in the movement, such as Michelangelo Pistoletto, Jannis Kounellis, Richard Long, Joseph Beuys, Robert Morris, and many others. It captures their raw, unrefined methods of creation, demonstrating their rejection of conventional artistic boundaries.
This first edition also contains insights into the individual artistic philosophies of each of these influential artists, positioning their works as a critique of mass production, commercialization, and traditional artistic practices. The Arte Povera movement, which was largely an Italian phenomenon, placed value on materials and processes often overlooked in mainstream art, offering a counterpoint to the consumerism and consumer-driven aesthetics of the time.
As a critical resource, Arte Povera is invaluable not only for those studying the movement but also for anyone interested in the evolution of conceptual art and its socio-political implications during the late 20th century. The original 1969 edition, under the guidance of Germano Celant, remains a cornerstone in art historical literature and continues to shape the understanding of Arte Povera today.