The exhibition “The Time of Futurism” at the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art, promoted and supported by the Ministry of Culture and curated by Gabriele Simongini, celebrates the eightieth anniversary of the passing of Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, which occurred on December 2, 1944.

Unlike past exhibitions dedicated to the revolutionary avant-garde movement founded in 1909 by Marinetti, this exhibition focuses on the relationship between art and science/technology and illustrates that “complete renewal of human sensibility resulting from the great scientific discoveries” that underlies the birth of Futurism. A reflection that is very relevant today, considering that the technological tsunami of artificial intelligence is impacting humanity, fulfilling the prophecy of the mechanization of the human and the humanization of the machine foreseen by the futurists. The exhibition aims to be inclusive, educational, and multidisciplinary, targeting the general public and especially the new generations. 

Therefore, it illustrates the concepts of speed, space, distance, and perceptual sensitivity evident in the masterpieces of Futurism, contextualizing them in the society of the time, revolutionized by scientific and technological innovations.

Around 350 works will be exhibited, including paintings, sculptures, projects, drawings, furniture, films, as well as about a hundred books and posters, with a focus on the literary matrix of the Marinetti movement that is unprecedented, along with a seaplane, cars, motorcycles, and vintage scientific instruments. To best describe the futuristic atmosphere, the exhibition will be enriched by two site-specific installations by Magister Art and Lorenzo Marini and will be animated by in-depth events.

Set-up images:

Photos by Emanuele A. Minerva and Agnese Sbaffi - Ministry of Culture 

Courtesy of the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art