Villae. Vita Nova. Arte in Italia alla luce del nuovo millennio. Art in Italy Under the Light of the New Millennium. Saggi / Essays

The book explores the evolution of contemporary Italian art from the late 1980s through the early 2000s, examining the transition from neo-historicist and neo-expressionist movements to a newer generation of artists who embrace a 'trans-media' approach. This newer generation, active from the mid-1990s onward, deviates from traditional methods of sampling and quoting, instead seeking to create coherent and imaginative 'worlds' through diverse media. With an emphasis on intellectual freedom and a departure from rigid techniques, these artists redefine the landscape of Italian art. Key figures include Simone Berti, Roberto Cuoghi, Lara Favaretto, Stefania Galegati, Marcello Maloberti, Diego Perrone, and Paola Pivi, who each construct unique visual imaginaries using an array of tools and forms . The book also highlights the increased focus on manual dexterity, the impact of globalisation, and the continual dialogue between the past and present in the creation of contemporary art