Giorgio de Chiricos construction of artistic identity. His autobiographical writings and art theory in the context of Valori Plastici

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Verena Krieger
• Subject Area: Art History
• Term: from 2013 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 239343759

The research project will for the first time examine the extensive written oeuvre of Giorgio de Chirico (1888-1978) by a methodological approach of discourse analysis. It is based on a recent branch of research within studies on the figure of the artist focusing on the questions of self-representation, identity and the function of the author. In an initial hypothesis it is assumed that the artist applied a collage-like addition of different, often conflicting ideas of artistic identity to stage his autobiographical self. The aim of the research project is to disclose the concepts of artistic identity de Chirico formulated in his autobiographical texts and art theory, to be appropriations and transformations of traditional and recent forms of habitus and topoi. In addition, the project seeks to highlight their constructive and processual character. We argue that they result from the interaction of audience expectations and commercial strategies of the artist, which were developed in contemporary discourses. The analysis focuses on the participation of de Chirico in the artist magazine Valori Plastici, while at the same time stressing the interaction between contemporary art criticism and art historiography. It will not only redefine de Chiricos role as the alleged leader of the group in the context of the Ritorno all ordine, but it will also determine his position between modernity and programmatic anti-modernism.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants