The Art Is A Fifth Element

Curated by Chiara Bertola, in collaboration with Giacinto Di Pietrantonio and Angela Vettese, the 2001 edition of Premio Querini-FURLA per l’arte followed the same format of the first edition, launched the previous year with great success.
An exciting newcomer on the fervent Italian contemporary art scenario, Premio Querini-FURLA per l’arte for art was quick to gain acclaim and esteem for the way it conducted a meticulous and in-depth research of the artistic scene throughout Italy. Ten critics nominated five names each, for a total of 50 names, that were later re-examined by a second national jury based on materials such as videos, slides and writings. The final shortlist of five artists – Massimo Bartolini, Lara Favaretto, Margherita Manzelli, Sabrina Torelli and Vedova-Mazzei – showed their works in a collective exhibition held at Fondazione Querini Stampalia in Venice in May 2001. Another international jury, made up of museum curators, artists and critics, finally decided the prize winner – Lara Favaretto.
To further underline the cultural aspects of the prize, every year a renowned artist participates in the event, to outline the graphics of communication, serving as the godfather of baptism. In 2001, it was Ilya Kabakov.