FAI DA TE
(the amateur view)
Press photos
December 8. 2000 - January
13. 2001
Roberto Cuoghi (1973)
Lara Favaretto (1973)
Diego Perrone (1970)
Patrick Tuttofuoco (1974)
Curated by Luca Cerizza
The figure of the amateur,
proceeding by trial and error to redefine rules and systems:
the sphere of spontaneous approximations, the "gratuitous"
expenditure of energies, the precursor of all formalization.
The metaphoric space of action by the bricoleur, the dilettante,
the neophyte. Teamwork: the intrinsic expression of a mass of
human energies, of a collection of histories and personal utopias,
not yet influenced by the logic of utility or professional gain
To the Italian artists who make up the "Fai da te"
exhibition, these are recurring themes.
Roberto Cuoghi's cartoon is a cruel parade of strange
and hybrid creatures, created by the artist from a fusing of
famous cartoon characters. These freak creatures are drawn in
an inexperienced hand and allude, perhaps, with bitter self-irony,
to a biographical origin.
Videos by Diego Perrone
and Lara Favaretto are the faithful records of two processes,
two prolonged efforts, in each of which rules are adopted initially,
then continuously redefined and rediscovered as part of the processes
themselves. In the video by Perrone, a friend of the artist attempts
to build a hut from wood, reeds, and leaves. The subject follows
laws that are apparently inexplicable to the "rational"
mind. In the video by Favaretto, a collective effort is made
to lift two donkeys and to replace them in a simple geometric
formation. The picture of an amateur chorus by Favaretto also
suggests the principle of collective action, organizing different
energies in a common project.
Similarly, the work of Patrick
Tuttofuoco documents the construction of an incoherent and
colorful skyscraper by the artist and four others. The group
uses various tools, procedures, and materials. The coexistence
of ideas and experiences is symbolized by convergence of their
efforts into a single physical form.