Tracce 1955

Mimmo Rotella made "Tracce," which translates to "traces," using a décollage technique, a process of tearing away layers of posters to reveal what lies beneath. Rotella was working in post-war Italy, a time of rebuilding and cultural reckoning. In the 1950s, Italy experienced an economic boom that saw the rise of consumer culture. The torn posters in Rotella's work reflect the ephemeral nature of advertising and consumerism. The layering and ripping away of images hints at a past that is both present and absent, much like memory itself. The use of red, evokes strong emotions and sensations. It is a color of passion, violence, and warning. Rotella’s work operates as both a mirror and a critique of Italian society. Its layers and textures capture the complexities of a culture grappling with its identity in the face of rapid change.