JOHN GIORNO

Thomas Brambilla and Eva Presenhuber galleries, in collaboration with Giorno Poetry Systems, are pleased to present a significant tribute to John Giorno for “Back to the Future” section at Artissima 2025 (Booth BTTF2), in Turin, Italy.

 

Giorno’s work delves into the intersections of language, technology, and performance, positioning him as an essential figure in the history of contemporary art. His work integrates seamlessly with the core concepts of the Back to the Future section, which focuses on language as a medium, human-machine interactions, early media experiments, and critical reflections on the boundaries of communication. Giorno’s radical, multidisciplinary approach transcended traditional norms, combining the poetic with the technological and transforming how art communicates with its audience.

For Artissima 2025, we will showcase a selection of key works that highlight the pioneering spirit of Giorno’s practice. The centerpiece of the exhibition will be Dial-a-Poem, Giorno’s groundbreaking project that allowed the public to call a phone number to hear poems read by Giorno and other artists. This iconic work, a precursor to today’s digital media and communication platforms, perfectly encapsulates his innovative approach to using technology as a means of artistic interaction and public engagement.

In addition to Dial-a-Poem, we will present a black-and-white painting that reflects Giorno’s exploration of visual art, which intersects with his poetics and experimental approach to the use of space and form. The exhibition will also feature a historical vinyl painting, connecting his early experiments with sound and language, offering a tactile connection to his multimedia approach. To deepen the narrative, we will include archival materials loaned directly from the Giorno Poetry System Foundation, including photographs, original manuscripts, and documents that offer insight into the evolution of Giorno’s creative process and his collaborations with other major figures of the avant-garde.

Artissima highlights Giorno’s groundbreaking fusion of poetry, performance, and technology, showcasing how his work anticipated the digital and media-driven changes in contemporary art. His inclusion in Back to the Future reflects his ability to challenge and redefine communication, bridging past and future artistic movements. Giorno’s innovative approach reshaped the relationship between artist and audience, offering a crucial connection between the past and future of art.