WHY OMISSIS?

 The idea of "Omissis" derives from a consideration that has always formed part of my way of thinking; and this, together with an exchange of ideas with a number of artists on the subject, is what lies at the origin of this event; an event which, while recognizing the importance of the market, attempts to challenge the concept of the name of the artist as a product to be marketed and sold. This is the idea behind the request that the artists taking part in the exhibition leave their works unsigned, and thus entitle the event “Omissis”.
---The awareness that the term "Omissis" has far-ranging implications which touch upon almost every aspect of our lives led me to organize this event, the scope of which extends beyond a mere group exhibition of visual arts; the aim of "Omissis" is to express the various ramifications of the concept, using a range of different types of language.
---The initial aim of the exhibition was to provoke censure in the visitor regarding the tendency to treat an artist's signature as a commodity to be sold, rather than appraising the artistic value of the individual work he or she has created. Thanks to the conviction of the exhibiting artists, this original intent evolved into a wider, more stimulating collaboration with a series of intellectuals, academics and representatives of society at large who were keen to take part in a debate on the concept of Omissis in a wider sense and from a number of different angles.
---This thought process, shared and actively elaborated upon by the artists taking part, has turned what was initially an art exhibition into a vehicle for a thought-provoking exchange of intellectual ideas on the whole concept of omissis.
---The boundless enthusiasm demonstrated by everyone I contacted led me, therefore, to conceive and to organize "Omissis" as a work which is not only always open to new ideas and contributions, but which is also designed to travel throughout Italy and beyond: a sort of neverending work in progress which will be accompanied on its journey by artists, intellectuals and any other individuals or groups who desire to walk alongside us for part of the way.
---The first edition of "Omissis" took place in Palazzo Baronale in Calcata. Twelve artists took part in the event, with the critique of Giorgio Di Genova  and contributions from the writer, essayist and philosopher Prof. Corrado Piancastelli, Judge Rosanna Ianniello of the Criminal Court of Rome and the art critic Marcello Riccioni. You will find their contributions at the back of this catalogue. As indicated in the catalogue, one of the 12 omissis works was excluded as a result of conduct which could not be considered in line with the aims of the project.
---Faithful to the idea of the initial project, we are here today in Bologna for the second edition of "Omissis". The original twelve artists have been joined by a further eight, with Giorgio Di Genova once again providing the critique of their works. Thanks to the Santo Stefano Quarter of the city, and particularly its President, Andrea Forlani, author of an article for this catalogue, we have been given the opportunity to host the event in the prestigious Exhibition Rooms of the Baraccano Centre.
---We are more convinced than ever before that our journey with "Omissis" can and should continue; and for this we are grateful to the Municipal Council of Bologna, represented by the Mayor of the city, Sergio Cofferati (author of an article in this catalogue), and by the Head Office of the Culture Department, for their encoragement and collaboration; to the journalist and writer Antonella Beccaria e Simona Mammano; to Paolo Bolognesi, President of the Association of the Families of the Victims of the Bologna Massacre of the 2nd of August 1980; to the philosopher Stefano Bonaga; to Senator Daria Bonfietti, President of the Association of Families of Victims of the Ustica Massacre; to the writer Maurizio Matrone and the philosopher Nanni Menetti.
---We hope to hold the next edition of the event in Milan, followed by Sicily and finally by Rome. At the end of our journey, the whole collection will be donated to a museum.

Laura Ramoino