The Regenerators

The Regenerators is a performative artwork that critically questions the role of the artists — and art in general — in processes of urban gentrification, and more specifically in relation to the Porta Palazzo district in Turin. The public space intervention “Action N° 1” was a round table in the middle of Piazza della Repubblica debating art and urban requalification strategies on the district. The square, which is the center of many business activities, once again took its role of place for the cultural debate like the ancient agorà. Both artists coordinated the round table discussion between invited experts, artists, and citizens. A cultural mediator was appointed to invite the public to participate in the discussion by informing them about the artwork and handing out (free) tickets. Ironically the round table, enclosed by a frame, was drawn on the floor with a caption.

This project was made in collaboration with the artist Irene Pittatore. It was realised during a residency at Viadellafucina 16, Turin (IT) and exhibited at Fondazione Pistoletto, Biella (IT) in 2012 and at K-Hole, Turin (IT), in 2012.