13/10/2011 | C. Martin
Art lovers planning Italy holidays now have a rare opportunity to appreciate the works of three iconic artists who championed the Arte Povera movement.
The MAXXI museum in Rome will host a new retrospective of the works of Jannis Kounellis, Giuseppe Penone and Gilberto Zorio, who challenged the deep-rooted conventions in art in the 1960s when Italy underwent a great social upheaval.
MAXXI director Anna Mattirolo said: "These three artists' research stems from the same reflections on materials and natural elements.
"The movement remains a key point of reference for young generations of Italian artists."
The works include the 1988 Kounellis installation Nameless, which is a metal structure against a wall decked with empty coffee sacks and a burning kerosene lamp that fills the space with a pungent odour.
Penone's Sap Sculptures, a combination of leather, wood, resin and Carrara marble in a blend of natural elements, is also part of the line-up.
Copyright Press Association 2011