Page 42 - Studio International - October 1970

DE VECCHI : Because man has a tremendous
faculty for point-blank insensitivity to his own
pleasure.
COLOMBO: That's why someone seeing our
work for the first time is so impressed he asks
the price, but considers it too expensive the
second time
DE VECCHI : and if he sees it a third he says its
out of date
COLOMBO: the same happens with the unfold-
ings of critical activity.
Huge catalogues descend entitled 'Nouvelle Ten-
dance : continual research'.
COLOMBO: What good are the best-intentioned
researches ?
DE VECCHI: And the most ardent promises of
continual renewal in alluring little catalogues
if they become so quickly redundant?
COLOMBO: In the world of aesthetics there are
some maxims that touch the heart
DE VECCHI: but before maximum use can be
made of them they are already in the hands of
followers. Take for instance this 'Renewal of
the structure of cultural vulgarization', it's
been on display for three weeks
COLOMBO: it's already worn out
DE VECCHI: no one reads it any more.
Knock on the door.
BOTH: Who can that be?
Achilles astride a steed appears as a messenger on
horseback.
MESSENGER: At culture's command you are
invited immediately (general jubilation) to
represent your critical configuration (jubila-
tion). At the same time critical dignity and
hospitality will be bestowed upon you in
Palazzo Ricci (site of the exhibition).
All good wishes to the new self-critics.
BOTH: We knew that the darker the hour the
nearer is help.
DE VECCHI: We'll begin work immediately of
course
COLOMBO: a unique opportunity in an artistic
life to instil a little clarity.
The curtains of the cupboard open and three manikins
appear.
COLOMBO: Here are three examples of the
aesthetic operator that can move the heart of
the gallery owner.
DE VECCHI : The sight of these types provokes in
man that unnatural state of mind that con-
stitutes aesthetic interest.
The small one on the right.
COLOMBO: The victim of oscillating taste. The
gay socialite, cheerful and fickle, always busy
and never going beyond superficialities.
The short one in the centre.
DE VECCHI: Victim of the anthropological
cult. The insupportable introvert, hating
modernity, boring his visitors by presenting
them with rubbish, manipulating
revulsion—COLOMBO : the effect of which is mitigated by a
few official prizes.
The bearded one in the corner.
COLOMBO: Victim of industrial expansion,
student of new materials, always on the look-
out for new products to use in his work.