The idea for this exhibition was sparked by contemplation of the artwork Untitled by Jannis Kounellis, which alludes to a crucifixion and to suffering—yet without presenting the body of Christ. In this piece, the artist engages in a ‘poetics of secrecy’, evoking the mystery of things. The work leans toward dramaturgy and theatricality, where even the absence of the figure—its very evocation—becomes powerful and tragic.
The term damnatio figurae refers to a denial of images, a concept tied not only to historical debates around iconoclasm, but also more broadly to the use of visual representation. Starting from these premises, and reflecting on the significance of the presence—or absence—of the human face and figure (even when simply alluded to), the selection in the Nave brings together works by five artists—Thorsten Brinkmann, Aron Demetz, Nicola Samorì, Mariano Sardón, and Manolo Valdés—who, in different ways, have explored the absence or concealment of human expression in their works, without descending into iconoclasm.
In contrast, the Sacristy hosts a series of contemporary portraits of great importance, even in iconographic terms, yet conceived with a more classical approach—all drawn from the foundation’s collection. From Andy Warhol’s Queen to the women of Wesselmann and Casorati, from Baechler to Chia, from Music to Ida Barbarigo, to a unique Max Ernst—and others—these works depict the human face and figure, interpreting the theme in a wide variety of forms.
Completing the exhibition is a large-scale installation by Maurizio Cattelan, Stadium, a nearly 7-metre-long foosball table designed for 22-player matches. Since the advent of photography, portraiture has increasingly focused on identity rather than on physical likeness. What matters now is the ability to convey the roles we occupy in society—our personality, shaped by our network of relationships. Within this context, Stadium becomes a stage where individuals enact roles within groups, revealing their social identities.
Crediti e ringraziamenti
Galleria Artericambi
Galleria Fumagalli
Galleria Monitor