Concert 

Editor: Felice Casorati’s “Concert,” done in ink, presents this rather evocative and unsettling image. The stark blacks against the paper create this very stark contrast. It’s quite theatrical in mood, I find. What do you make of this piece? Curator: This print seems to harken back to Italian Futurism, not only through its bold figuration, but also through its visual dynamism. It raises interesting questions about the role of public performance during the interwar period in Italy. How might the stark rendering of these figures, and the potential reference to classical themes like musical performance, serve particular socio-political aims in a nation undergoing Fascist restructuring? Do you think this piece has any Fascist connections? Editor: That's not something I considered! The harshness of the lines made me think more of German Expressionism. But what you’re saying is that the choice to depict a "concert," perhaps alluding to ancient Roman performances, could be seen as aligned with Fascist ideologies reviving a glorified past? Curator: Precisely. Also, we must consider how galleries and institutions might have curated and displayed such a work during the period. Who was this intended audience? Did the Fascist government influence or endorse particular styles and subject matters within the visual arts, which would in turn validate particular aesthetics that were beneficial to the government's goals? Editor: That’s a fascinating perspective. Looking at it now, I can see how a seemingly innocent depiction of a "Concert" can have multiple layers when viewed in its historical and cultural context. Thank you, I learned so much. Curator: Likewise. This helps underscore the crucial connection between artistic expression and socio-political forces.