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    Interview with Nicola Genovese

    The myth of man

    Nicola Genoveses performance ยซA NOVANTAยป (2019). Foto: Ingo Hoehn

    Published on 09.02.2021

    • Fine Arts

    The strong man with pink nails: for artist Nicola Genovese this is by no means a contradiction. His work explores the myth of man as well as the fragility of constructed masculinity and opens up a space in which to reflect on the new contemporary masculinity.

    Gianna Bรคrtsch: How do you define masculinity?
    Nicola Genovese: โ€œMasculinityโ€ doesnโ€™t exist in the singular. But in speaking of masculinity, we both validate such a notion and reaffirm that whatever deviates from it is unmanly. My exhibitions and performance seek to address the shades of โ€œtraditional,โ€ white, heterosexual masculinity. From my perspective, that of a male adult born in Italy, I take Italian masculinity as an example of the most clichรฉd form of masculinity and try to engage with my audience.

    What do fabric, metal and ceramics have to do with masculinity?
    As a sculptor and artist, I explore the ambivalence of materials and combine them into abstract sculptures. Leggings nestle against metal, a cushion tries to enter into relationship with ceramics. Hard meets soft, fragile encounters unbreakable. During my performances, sculptures are activated, become costumes and props and reveal the ambivalence of masculinity, so as to make the entire construction teeter on stage.

    How should I imagine your performances, which take place in theatres or exhibition spaces?
    I develop parodic characters and slip into the role of the stereotypical white heterosexual man who wants to break out of the clichรฉd male role. At one moment, I behave like a macho man, shortly afterwards I move in a way that is perceived as โ€œemasculating.โ€ But just because I am dressed in pink, I am no less dangerous or less violent.

    Is masculinity in crisis?
    The crisis of masculinity exists as little as masculinity does. Thatโ€™s why my projects place โ€œmasculinity in crisisโ€ in inverted commas and thus view it as a constructed concept. Claiming to be in a crisis only serves to regain more power. In my eyes, the word crisis is linked to a specific turning point that ultimately initiates change. This is where my art starts.

    How do audiences react to your solo performances?
    I create a space of awkwardness, irony and seriousness. My performances demand full attention โ€” leaving no room to sip prosecco. The irritation lingers, but the feedback is positive.

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