Arte Povera is an art movement that emerged in Italy in the late 1960s. The name, which means “poor art” in Italian, refers to the artists’ choice to work with simple, everyday, and often organic materials such as soil, wood, fabric, glass, stone, and recycled scrap. The movement arose as a reaction against the commercial art world and industrial society, aiming to challenge traditional ideas about what art is and can be.

Artists associated with Arte Povera sought to blur the boundaries between art and life, often exploring themes such as time, the human body, nature, and materiality in their works. Instead of focusing on permanence or perfection, they used the natural properties of materials to create temporary or changeable expressions.

Some of the most well-known artists within the movement include Giuseppe Penone, Jannis Kounellis, Michelangelo Pistoletto, and Mario Merz. Their works have had a significant impact on contemporary art, and Arte Povera continues to inspire artists around the world with its experimental and material-focused approach.

Artist lesson: Giuseppe Penone.