The Gruppo Crack, an influential collective of artists, is receiving renewed recognition with a standout exhibition at Galleria Gracis, Milan, running until June 20, 2025. This groundbreaking showcase not only celebrates the innovative spirit of the original group formed in 1960 but also marks the release of a commemorative catalog edited by Manfredi Maretti. The exhibition’s presentation will culminate on June 26, 2025, at Fabio Mauri’s Studio in Rome.
Founded by renowned artists such as Pietro Cascella, Piero Dorazio, Gino Marotta, and others—including poet and critic Cesare Vivaldi—the Gruppo Crack emerged as a response to the limitations of informality and the rigid dichotomy of abstract versus realistic art. The group advocated for freedom in style, media, and themes, seeking intellectual independence in the relationship between visual art and reality.
This exhibition aims to narrate the distinctive journey of the Gruppo Crack. It showcases eight featured artists known for their diverse styles and approaches. The catalog includes color reproductions of all exhibited works, archival documents, and contributions from art historian and curator Laura Cherubini. Cherubini has been pivotal in reintroducing this artistic movement, saying, “This project was created to offer a unique portrayal where artists united through diversity rather than similarity.”
The catalog, bilingual in Italian and English, not only provides insights into the artworks displayed but also reprints the original 1960 publication, “CRACK Documenti di Arte Moderna,” which encapsulated the essence of the group’s vision. As noted by Vivaldi, the original catalog was a treasure for image seekers, transforming the mundane into artistic gold.
Notably, the exhibition highlights Piero Dorazio’s reliefs, which have not been publicly shown for 26 years. These pieces exemplify his evolution as an artist and are crucial to understanding the broader narrative of the Gruppo Crack.
The exhibition at Galleria Gracis serves as a compelling invitation to rediscover the artistic endeavors of the Gruppo Crack, still largely unexplored but profoundly significant. With a scholarly and critical framework supported by the artists’ archives, this presentation promises to enlighten audiences about the rich contributions of its members and the lasting impact they have made on contemporary art.
For more information, visit the Galleria Gracis website or contact them at gracis@gracis.com.
Photo credits: The photographs are the property of the gallery
Leave a Reply