Italy’s dark presentation at the Frankfurt Book Fair sparks controversy

Italy’s Dark Presentation at the Frankfurt Book Fair Sparks Controversy

The 2023 Frankfurt Book Fair, a prestigious annual event celebrating literature from around the globe, has placed Italy in the spotlight as its guest country. However, this has not been without controversy. The event, taking place in Frankfurt, Germany, features Italy in an unusual light that has not resonated well with many attendees.

Italy’s pavilion presentation has opted for an unorthodox and sombre atmosphere. The display, inspired by a traditional Italian piazza, was designed by architect Stefano Boeri. Nonetheless, it has sparked debate due to its austere aesthetic, characterised by darkened hall windows that prevent daylight from entering. The sparse lighting, featuring ceiling lights reminiscent of a starry sky, casts a dim glow over the pavilion. In the centre, a large golden hand is illuminated, but otherwise, the pavilion’s design is deceptively regressive, with countless steps that visitors must navigate cautiously.

This sobering display contrasts starkly with the motto for Italy’s appearance, “Rooted in the Future.” Critics argue that the presentation is more focused on Italy’s past rather than providing insights or discussions on its future. For instance, the pavilion features an entire room dedicated to various editions of Machiavelli’s “The Prince,” spanning from the 16th century to editions from the Mussolini era, which raises questions about its relevance to contemporary discourse. Additionally, another room displays exhibits and paintings from Pompeii, highlighting Italy’s historic grandeur rather than its current and future directions.

The current political climate in Italy under the administration of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni seems to have influenced the discourse at the fair. Meloni’s right-wing government has been embroiled in controversies, such as the prohibition of surrogacy for Italians abroad and the deportation of refugees to a camp in Albania. These issues have overshadowed Italy’s cultural presentation at the fair and spilled over into Frankfurt, creating a backdrop for socio-political debate among Italian authors attending the event.

Notably, some authors who have dissociated themselves from the official Italian delegation have made their voices heard. Authors like Francesca Melandri and Paolo Giordano have critiqued the political landscape in Italy, highlighting issues of free speech and the suppression of dissenting voices. Art historian Luciano Cheles pointed out that the event’s theme, “Rooted in the Future,” mirrors language used by neo-fascists in Italy, adding another layer of contention to the fair’s proceedings.

Despite Italy’s official presentation, the Frankfurt Book Fair has not shied away from addressing broader issues. Over 1,000 authors and speakers are participating in 650 events across 15 stages, discussing global challenges such as conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, climate change, and artificial intelligence. These topics provide a stark contrast to the historical focus seen in Italy’s pavilion.

The book fair also reflects on internal industry challenges, such as the decline in readership in Germany. Despite fewer buyers, overall sales have surprisingly increased by 2.8% in 2023, largely thanks to young readers. This demographic, particularly young women, are engaging with “New Adult” and “Young Adult” genres, sparking considerable interest within that segment of the market.

The popularity of authors within this genre, like Mona Kasten, is predominantly driven by social media phenomena such as BookTok, leading to high demand and dedicated spaces at the fair. Anticipating large crowds during the public days, the organisers have implemented ticket restrictions to manage attendance.

As the book fair continues, it remains to be seen how Italy’s portrayal and the underlying political tensions will affect cultural perceptions and literary discussions beyond the event.

Source: Noah Wire Services