Arte All’Arte News Gianni Motti, 2001

Gianni Motti was invited by the curator Jérôme Sans to create a special project connecting the six Tuscan cities involved in the 6th edition of Arte all'Arte.

Gianni Motti interviewed by Jérôme Sans and Pier Luigi Tazzi

What is Arte All Arte News about?

It is a series of projects involving various media (television, press…). I sent some of my assistants to the region to keep me informed and up to date with current events. During the inauguration days, on the buses traveling through the different cities of the Arte all'Arte project, some girls, a bit clairvoyant and a bit entraineuses, accompanied visitors on their journey. In parallel, I created a week of horoscope reading on the local television channel Canale 3, which aired it for 6 days, from Friday the 13th to Wednesday the 18th.

And what is the meaning of this project?

I was invited to create a "special project" that would connect the 6 Tuscan cities involved in Arte all'Arte, and I thought it was appropriate to use local media, which are known to be a means of connection between communities. I like the idea that people can access a work of art while sitting on a couch or at a bar, drinking a coffee.

But why the horoscope?

When I came for the site visit, in all the cafés and on the buses, all anyone talked about was the horoscope. People were reading each other's daily horoscopes. It must be a Tuscan disease. The first project I had thought of was to present the weather forecast on a television network. It was Canale 3 that, during our meeting, suggested that I do the horoscope.

You are known for your habit of "hacking" political, social, sports, or cultural events. Entering the reality of other real situations seems to be the core of your journey. How do you explain your attitude towards art? 

I don't really like the definition of "hacker of reality." And if I am a hacker, then almost all politicians are too. Even nature is, in a way, with its catastrophes (earthquakes, hurricanes...). In the end, I do what I can. I never know what will happen, I try to seize the opportunity to make a tackle in the game of everyday life. At first, it's always something small, but most of the time, it takes on dimensions that go beyond that. There are no subjects that don't interest me. I don't impose censorship. I let life guide me.

This morning, I went out with an agency photographer to an event whose nature I didn't know, and I found myself at the scene of a passionate crime where a man had taken his own life after killing his wife. The photographer needed an extra.

But isn't there a risk of losing your identity as an artist and even your social identity? Where does the work lie?

The more I lose my identity as an artist, the more art wants me. I'm interested in everything. I'm curious. In the past, an artist would make the portrait or statue of an important figure. We don't need that anymore. The artist wants to know what's happening. That's why they're there. I feel good everywhere. I don't feel tied to anything. I feel at home wherever I go. I have no identity story. When I was at school, I listened to the teachers distractedly, looking out the window. I had the impression that it was there where things were happening.

How far do you think you'll go? What are the limits of your system? 

I can't know the limits. Limits are impossible to define in advance. It's a bit like someone saying "he/she is the love of my life": you can't know until you reach the end.

From “Arte all’Arte VI”, 2001

Horoscope Gianni Motti, Arte All'Arte VI, 2001

ARIES

Especially in the second half of this month, the stars favor projects and financial transactions. If you plan to buy or sell real estate, take advantage of it. The erotic and emotional sector is very favorable: you will see your desires fulfilled. Health: good.

TAURUS

Many difficulties to overcome this month, especially in the work sector, where conflicts with colleagues and superiors are expected. Perhaps you have accumulated too much previously, and therefore, in this phase, you will feel tired. In emotional matters, you will have the opportunity to overcome hostilities and misunderstandings with your partner. Health: good.

GEMINI

The second half of September is expected to be rather static, but not negative. The uncertainty hanging over your projects may make you a bit nervous, but there’s no need to dramatize: you will see things start moving again. In emotional matters, you will have great opportunities if you haven't yet found your soulmate. Health: excellent.

CANCER

The stars advise you to keep busy this month, as you are highly favored in all matters that are close to your heart, both professional and emotional. You can achieve more than you dared hope for and make the leap in quality you’ve been wanting for a long time. Health: excellent.

LEO

September promises to be more than favorable for our little lions, who can carry out any work project with confidence in success and achievement. So, work with trust, but be careful not to overspend. In love, luck is on everyone's side, especially for the younger ones dealing with first loves. Health: excellent.

VIRGO

Many things will not go as you would like, and there will be many complications. You will need to keep your promises if you don't want to create any enmities. In the work sector, discussions with superiors are likely. In love, things are going better, and the relationship is going smoothly. Health: good.

LIBRA

September may seem a bit hectic, but you will see that it will bring good news. However, try to keep your nerves in check, as they could cause you some problems at work. The erotic and emotional situation is very good and allows you to dedicate yourself with satisfaction to those you love. Health: possible stress.

SCORPIO

This month, you will actively engage with your colleagues and regular collaborators. Beautiful things may come out of it if you are open and available. In love, some issues may arise from your impatience with your partner. Be sure to moderate yourself. Health: watch your diet.

SAGITTARIUS

Many difficulties to overcome this month, especially in the work sector, where conflicts with colleagues and superiors are expected. In emotional matters, relationships will strengthen. Singles will make interesting connections. Health: respiratory check-ups are recommended.

CAPRICORN

You will be able to work with satisfaction and move forward with your initiatives, counting on the benevolence of the stars, which this month push you toward gaining advantageous positions. Just be careful not to tire yourself too much and not to waste more energy than necessary. The situation in love is good. Health: possible stress.

AQUARIUS

The astrological situation this month may force you to slow down a bit at work, a sector where you may not be able to reap all the rewards you had hoped for. However, if you remain calm and patient, it will soon start to bring you satisfaction. In love, be less rigid with your partner. Health: good.

PISCES

This month, you may feel quite anxious about your work and financial situation, which doesn’t seem satisfying. The stars advise not to persist too much in order not to further worsen the situation, causing unnecessary nervous breakdowns. The emotional sector will be the most neglected. Health: stress.