Arte Povera

Type of modern art that uses everyday materials such as soil or old newspapers in an attempt to undermine the commercial values of the art world. The term is often used vaguely and has been applied to such diverse forms as happenings, Installation art, and Land art. It is also closely related to conceptual art and minimalism.

The Italian critic Germano Celant (1940– ) coined the term Arte Povera in 1967. He organized several exhibitions on the subject and edited a book entitled Arte Povera, published in 1969 (translated into English the same year as Art Povera: Conceptual, Actual or Impossible Art?). Forerunners of Arte Povera include the Italian artist Alberto Burri (1915–95), who as a prisoner of war in the USA during World War II began painting on whatever materials he could find, including sacking. Arte Povera is not confined to Italy; the term has been applied to artists in various European countries and the USA. The idea that such art would undermine the commercial values of the art world has proved mistaken, as dealers have successfully sold even apparently worthless pieces.