Com’è oggi essere un giovane artista a Milano? Risponde Matteo Montorfano
Matteo Montorfano, a young Italian artist born in 1999, discusses the challenges and opportunities of being an emerging artist in Milan. In an interview with Artribune, he reflects on his decision to study at ISIA in Urbino rather than in Milan, emphasizing the value of gaining perspective outside the city. He describes Milan as a central hub for photography and art but notes the importance of independent, self-organized projects, such as a collective exhibition in a borrowed space. Montorfano also highlights informal venues like Potlatch, Sprint, The Art Chapter, ONOFF, and Spazio Mina that support grassroots artistic research.
This article matters because it addresses a broader debate about the marginalization of Italian artists in the international art scene, exemplified by the absence of Italian artists at the 2026 Venice Biennale. By focusing on Montorfano's experience, the piece illustrates systemic issues in Italy's art ecosystem—such as galleries favoring established foreign names, a gap between education and institutions, and a cultural reluctance to value contemporary local talent. It underscores the resilience and resourcefulness of young artists navigating a challenging environment, offering insight into the future of Italian contemporary art.