MADI: A Universal Art Movement

Abstract

The essay focuses on MADI, an artistic phenomenon of international breadth founded by Carmelo Arden Quin in Buenos Aires in 1946 that is based on the principles of no-expression, no representation, no simbolysm. The contribution focuses on the founding moments of the movement with particular reference to the figure of Joaquin Torres Garcia and Tomas Maldonado analysing the main exhibitions in Latin America and Europe. Furthermore, the text examines the artworks on display because, despite their similarities and affinities, the works of each artist in this exhibition are autonomous and carry their individual high-profile research that finds its highest completion through MADI. The exhibition was hosted by the renowned 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, with its impressive architecture by Kazuyo Sejima+Ryue Nishizawa/SANAA and its high-profile programming.