Il Novecento di Catarsini - DALLA MACCHIA ALLA MACCHINA -introduzione - EN
THE EXHIBITION
THE KEY POINTS FOR UNDERSTANDING THE ARTIST AND HIS PATH
CATARSISMO
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE EXHIBITION
NO TOUCHING IS FORBIDDEN
THE EXHIBITION SETUP ALLOWS YOU TO KNOW THE CATARSINI FOUNDATION’S METHODOLOGY “ACCESSIBLE ART FOR ALL”
IL NOVECENTO DI CATARSINI. DALLA MACCHIA ALLA MACCHINA
THE EXHIBITION
The traveling exhibition presents a selection of works from the 1930s to the 1980s to tell the artistic journey of Alfredo Catarsini (Viareggio 1899-1993), starting from paintings of Macchiaioli and post-impressionist derivation and continuing through the experiences marked by the taste of the primitives and the call to order, to arrive at the volumetric and plastic forms of the 1930s and the large compositions with historical and religious subjects created between 1936 and 1948. In the post-war period his path is characterized by experimentation, with the works of the period of his Riflessismo, by formal breaks and by the expressive temperature in which the Italian existential realism of the 1950s was incubated. The brief parenthesis of his Riflessismo and the fantastic figures of the post-war period suggest an artist always attentive to the cultural debate and eager to explore new paths.
Starting in 1948, Catarsini developed a new form of expression centered on the difficult relationship between nature, man and machine, which he called Simbolismo meccanico , a theme that became increasingly urgent in the post-war period and is highly topical today. This phase represents a crucial point in his reflection, leading him to note the inability of man to control his own creations, with the risk of remaining trapped in the mechanisms he has built. The very definition of Mechanical Symbolism, which characterizes two phases of this “social denunciation”, arouses curiosity and invites us to explore the works of this period.
THE KEY POINTS FOR UNDERSTANDING THE ARTIST AND HIS PATH
Alfredo Catarsini was an artist who lived the twentieth century intensely, demonstrating a remarkable ability to evolve and reinterpret the different artistic currents of the century, always through his distinctive style. His production ranges widely from landscapes, human figures, dock and seascape scenes, portraits and self-portraits, touching on different stylistic phases: from a return to order to more plastic forms typical of the 1930s, up to large compositions of historical and religious subjects. This variety testifies to a continuous experimentation and an openness to the artistic transformations of his time.
A fundamental aspect of his art is his deep connection with the social context in which he operated. Catarsini did not remain isolated, but was able to capture and reflect in his works the changes, new values and challenges that characterized the twentieth century. In particular, his sensitivity was directed to the impact of industrialization on the landscape and the change in the human condition, with its uncertainties and hopes.
It is precisely in this ability to be an active witness of his time that the originality and surprising relevance of his art lies. His works are not only beautiful to admire, but offer a penetrating look at the existential dynamics, fears and aspirations that have marked the human experience in the twentieth century.
Precisely because of its profound connection with the social and human dynamics of his time, Alfredo Catarsini’s work transcends the mere aesthetic dimension. It is configured as an authentic and powerful testimony of an era, capable of resonating even today with our experiences, questions and emotions. His art, therefore, is a living dialogue with our soul and our present.
CATARSISMO
With the term Catarsismo, the Foundation intends to define Alfredo Catarsini’s painting and condense the result of the substantial critical bibliography that accompanied and supported the art of a master who vigorously crossed the entire twentieth century, identifying certain characteristics of his work.
Catarsismo arises from the artist’s creative coherence and manifests itself as dryness of expression, seriousness and freedom of thought, capacity for renewal. It is an attitude to stick to the essential, whatever the subject of his works: people, things, landscapes or gears. It is the courage to welcome change, demonstrated by his continuous testing by experimenting with original forms and representations, as in Simbolismo meccanico.
Catarsini is a multifaceted man, painter and writer, he tirelessly reflects on the great themes and on personal identity, he responds with inventiveness to the stimuli that the world around him proposes with social and technological changes, a theme that is more timely than ever. And it always gives us a painting that starts from the purified essence of things, from the soul, to arrive straight to the heart of the beholder.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE EXHIBITION
In short, the exhibition offers a deep immersion in the art of Catarsini, an artist of the twentieth century, guiding the visitor through the subjects that inspired him and his unique research and vision thanks to an inclusive installation and accessible information materials (catalogue, texts, captions, quotes, audio descriptions). The key element of this uniqueness lies in the breaking down of sensory and cognitive barriers, with a particular attention to accessibility for people with visual impairments through adapted descriptions, audio guides and tactile experience. This approach that involves multiple senses and actively includes different types of audiences, not only makes the exhibition more accessible and inclusive, but elevates its meaning. By transforming the fruition into a multisensory experience, the emotional and intellectual involvement with Catarsini’s work is intensified. Furthermore, by recognizing art as a cultural asset for all, the resonance of its message is amplified and a wider diffusion of “Catatarsismo”, its peculiar artistic vision, is encouraged.
NO TOUCHING IS FORBIDDEN
The entire exhibition is also accessible to visitors with visual impairments thanks to the multi-year project of the Catarsini Foundation “Accessible Art for All”, with the method conceived by the Foundation and already implemented since 2022 in the totems and stages of the Cammino I luoghi di Catarsini.
Accessibility is guaranteed by adapted descriptions and audio guides downloadable via QR code, which accompany the visitor through the exhibition and the works, offering alternative ways of enjoying them to sight. The possibility of touching most of the works promotes an inclusiveness that breaks down traditional barriers. Physical contact enriches the experience with a sensorial dimension that deepens the understanding of materials and shapes and encourages a more direct and personal interaction with the work as well as promoting a deeper understanding of texture, shape and materials, for the benefit of all visitors. Making the works tangible underlines the importance of a direct and holistic approach to art, promoting its accessibility as opposed to a purely visual and contemplative enjoyment. In short, making works of art tangible is a powerful gesture that communicates the commitment to promoting a more complete and sensorial approach to art.
However, some works on display, due to their fragility or conservation needs, cannot be touched directly or are protected by glass. However, the goal of making art accessible to all, including visitors with visual impairments, remains a priority. Therefore, to find a balance between the need to protect these works and the desire to offer everyone a meaningful tactile experience, a special space called the Experiential Laboratory has been created within the exhibition.
In this laboratory, visitors can do an exercise with the following steps:
Listen to the adapted description of the image. This approach is specifically designed as a first step to convey necessary information about the appearance of the original work (size, setting, technique, colors) but also about the reinterpretation in high sculptural relief, allowing those who cannot see it to “imagine” it before exploring it tactilely.
Tactilely explore a high relief sculpture that was created taking inspiration from one of the works on display. The high relief is a simplified three-dimensional reproduction made in original size or scale and in special material, which allows you to perceive with your hands the shapes, surfaces and composition of the original work. In essence, the Experiential Laboratories set up by the Catarsini Foundation offer a tactile alternative for those works that for various reasons cannot be touched directly, while still guaranteeing all visitors the possibility of interacting with art through the sense of touch and hearing in order to reconcile accessibility with the conservation of artistic heritage.
THE EXHIBITION SETUP ALLOWS YOU TO KNOW THE CATARSINI FOUNDATION’S METHODOLOGY “ACCESSIBLE ART FOR ALL”
Catarsini Foundation has a long experience in developing accessible and inclusive approaches to art, cultural sites, tourism and the description adapted for people with visual impairment of events, images and itineraries, demonstrating a deep attention to the different needs of the public. This expertise makes the visit to the places and exhibitions on Catarsini particularly meaningful, allowing a direct contact with the values that inspire his art, in a true dialogue with each visitor and testifies to a deep respect for the public and an authentic commitment to spreading art as a universal tool for connection and understanding, which the Foundation promotes in line with the principles of the artist.
Enjoy listening and watching everyone!
Elena Martinelli
President Alfredo Catarsini Foundation 1899 ETS