Sintesi astratta Espansioni e risonanze dell'arte astratta in Italia, 1930-1960

Published as part of the collaboration between Electa and Cra.it, the research centre dedicated to abstract art in Italy at the Catholic University of Milan, this volume comprises the papers from the conference held at the Milanese university in October 2021. Starting from the definition of “abstract synthesis”, the contributions investigate the extent to which the use and interpretation of “abstract vocabulary” have been functional in creating a bridge between disciplines and a valid pretext for rethinking its nature. Abstractionism has from its origins fostered a lively exchange between different media that has enabled us to understand how each specific investigation, matured in a specific field, has generated repercussions within multiple fields: from architecture to design, from music to photography to cinema and video art.

Favouring a transversal approach, the volume restores abstractionism to its the role and trait d’union function within different spheres of research, from schools to movements, groups, definitions and international levels. It also presents in-depth studies on specific materials, media or procedures, aimed at investigating how abstractionism has shaped projects or supported new approaches, technical transformations, the use of materials and technological research.