For the first time, the Italian Pavilion at the 2022 Art Biennale is entirely dedicated to the work of Gian Maria Tosatti, presenting “History of the Night and Destiny of Comets”, under the curatorship of Eugenio Viola. This exhibition is a profound reflection on humanity’s present time and its future directions, exploring narrative complexities through various artistic forms. It is proposed as an experience that guides visitors through a journey of awareness and introspection on contemporary challenges and the future of human civilization.
Tosatti investigates the balance between man and nature, sustainable development, and the relationship between ethics and profit, connecting directly to the objectives of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. His work reflects on issues such as health, education, environmental protection, and sustainability, proposing a constructive criticism of current models of consumption and production.
The exhibition, with an approach reminiscent of the theatrical structure, divides the narrative into two main acts and a prologue, offering a symbolic vision of Italian industrialization and its environmental and social consequences. The last segment of the work confronts us with the power of nature, through the image of a tumultuous sea that laps the walls of the exhibition, underlining man’s vulnerability in the face of extreme natural events.
The final message is one of hope, symbolized by the presence of fireflies which, despite the environmental devastation, continue to shine, suggesting a possible peaceful coexistence between humanity and the planet. The work ends on a note of deep reflection, inviting visitors to consider their actions and their impact on the world.
The Biennial also becomes a forum for debate on these crucial themes, with meetings and conferences that enrich the exhibition experience, involving the public in a global discussion on alternative models of life and development.
author: Eleonora Brizi
Photo credits: Gian Maria Tosatti. Storia della Notte e Destino delle Comete. Padiglione Italia, Biennale Arte, Venezia 2022. Courtesy DGCC – MiC
