L’Arte Povera, an artistic movement born in Italy between 1967 and 1972, has recently experienced renewed media and market attention, thanks in part to an exhibition at the Bourse de Commerce in Paris.
This exhibition has brought back into the spotlight works characterized by the use of simple and everyday materials, highlighting the relevance of an art that challenges traditional conventions.
Origins and Philosophy of Arte Povera
Coined by the critic Germano Celant in 1967, the term “Arte Povera” describes a group of Italian artists who, between 1967 and 1972, opposed the opulence of Pop Art and the American cultural hegemony. Using poor and rustic materials, these artists aimed to express symbolic and spiritual concepts, emphasizing the economy of means and a critique of consumerism.
Main Figures and Significant Works
In recent years, the works of Arte Povera have reached significant valuations in international auctions.
For example, in 2013, a work by Piero Manzoni titled “Achrome” (1958) was sold for 12.5 million dollars by Christie’s in New York. Similarly, a “Mappa” by Alighiero Boetti from 1989 reached 2.4 million dollars in 2010.
Here is an overview of the auction records for some artists of Arte Povera:
- Piero Manzoni: “Achrome” (1958) sold for 12.5 million dollars in 2013.
- Alighiero Boetti: “Mappa” (1989) sold for 2.4 million dollars in 2010
- Michelangelo Pistoletto: “Self-portrait of 62” (1962-1965) sold for 1.7 million dollars in 2013.
- Mario Merz: “Igloo Objet cache-toi” (1968-1977) sold for 1.3 million dollars in 2005
- Jannis Kounellis: “Untitled” (1960) sold for 1.07 million dollars in 2008
Evolution of the Arte Povera Market
In the last decades, the market of Arte Povera has experienced significant fluctuations. Between 2014 and 2016, the works of artists like Anselmo and Fabro reached peaks in auction sales. However, subsequently, the values stabilized, with some works sold at lower prices compared to previous highs.
For example, in 2015, “Italia dell’emigrante” by Luciano Fabro was sold for 2.7 million pounds, while in 2017, “Uomo che guarda un negativo” by Pistoletto reached 3.7 million pounds.
Despite some downturns, the interest in Arte Povera remains alive, especially thanks to international exhibitions that renew its visibility.
However, in 2024, while the market rewarded surrealist artists, Arte Povera did not register significant increases in valuations, despite important exhibitions like the one at the Bourse de Commerce in Paris.
Final Considerations
L’Arte Povera continues to represent a fundamental chapter in the history of contemporary art, offering a deep reflection on the use of materials and on the meaning of the work of art.
Although the market has shown fluctuating trends, the cultural and critical interest in this movement persists and seems to be increasing in recent years.
It remains to be seen how future generations of collectors and critics will reevaluate these works, born as a protest against consumerism and today objects of collection by the elites.
As expert in digital marketing, Amelia began working in the fintech sector in 2014 after writing her thesis on Bitcoin technology. Previously author for several international crypto-related magazines and CMO at Eidoo. She is now the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Cryptonomist and Econique.
She is also a marketing teacher at Digital Coach in Milan and she published a book about NFTs for the Italian publishing house Mondadori, while she is also helping artists and company to entering in the sector. As advisor, Amelia is also involved in metaverse-related project such as The Nemesis and OVER.
