Published in 2016, Francesco Vezzoli is a comprehensive monograph exploring the provocative and glamour-infused work of Italian contemporary artist Francesco Vezzoli, curated and analyzed by art critic and curator Cristiana Perrella. Known for his subversive blend of high art and pop culture, Vezzoli rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s with his embroidered canvases, satirical videos, and celebrity collaborations that critique fame, power, and the art world itself.
The book delves into Vezzoli’s signature projects, such as his faux Hollywood trailers (Trailer for a Remake of Gore Vidal’s “Caligula”, 2005), his obsession with divas (from Lady Gaga to Maria Callas), and his Baroque-inspired installations that blur the lines between irony and sincerity. Perrella’s essays contextualize Vezzoli’s work within the traditions of Italian conceptual art, neo-Baroque aesthetics, and media-driven spectacle, while also examining his playful yet sharp deconstructions of gender, history, and desire.
Richly illustrated with photographs of his installations, performances, and collaborations, the monograph captures Vezzoli’s unique ability to merge camp, kitsch, and critical theory—a hallmark of his influence on contemporary art.
For Readers Drawn to Vezzoli’s World:
- The Art of Scandal (Michael Archer, 1997) – Explores the intersection of art, fame, and controversy.
- Postmodernism: Style and Subversion (Glenn Adamson, 2011) – A broader look at the movements shaping Vezzoli’s practice.
- Cindy Sherman: Untitled Horrors (Johanna Burton, 2013) – Another artist dissecting media and identity with wit and darkness.
