The exhibition catalogue focuses on some central aspects which are essential to correctly understand the role played by Mario Radice. The book highlights the relationship between art and architecture in the 30's; it also pays attention to Rationalism and the relevant historical crisis that are related on the basis of Radice's correspondence with Cattaneo and Terragini, but also illustrated by paintings called "Crolli" (Falls). The long epilogue of Radice's career is characterized by recurring tensions between abstract and figurative art, rational and lyric approach, variation and repetition, bi-dimensional and three-dimensional space.
The main piece of the exhibition is a full-scale reproduction of the wall fresco painted in the main hall of “Casa del Fascio” (Fascist Headquarter) in Como, faced by the relevant transposition on the opposite wall. A variety of Radice’s autographic records, now property of MART, such as sketches, notes, drawings and photos are exhibited for the first time, and compared with other works as well as other pieces from external collections. The exhibition draws particular attention to these documents that are mainly preparatory studies of the Italian abstract art context which developed in the circle of the Galleria del Milione. The display will also throw light on the most influential subjects issued by Radice and the Como Group up to the 50’s and the 60’s.