This afternoon, the ADEMA University School hosted the presentation of the book “Un magma crítico“, by art critic, exhibition curator, essayist, teacher, and PhD in Philosophy Fernando Golvano. The publication brings together a selection of texts written between 1995 and 2022, reflecting his extensive teaching and research experience in the fields of aesthetics and art theory, as well as his experience in art criticism and exhibition curating.
This event, presented by Amparo Sard, Head of Studies for the Fine Arts Degree at ADEMA, and attended by faculty and students of the Fine Arts Degree, served as a space for reflection on the role of critical thinking in contemporary artistic practice on International Poetry Day. During the presentation, the main themes of Golvano’s work were explored, a constellation of writings that address modern and contemporary art from a critical perspective, with a literary tension and a marked educational focus.
On International Poetry Day, the presentation of “Un magma crítico” served as a reminder of the close relationship between critical thinking, literature, and artistic practice. As Golvano points out in his work, art is not only expressed through images, colors, or matter, but also through words, discourse, and the analysis that accompanies and questions them.
Throughout the essays included in the book, the author engages in dialogue with major thinkers and artists, highlighting the contributions of Theodor Adorno, Cornelius Castoriadis, and Jorge Oteiza, among others. The publication also compiles texts published in specialized journals, exhibition catalogs, and curatorial essays, reflecting the evolution of Golvano’s thought over nearly three decades of intellectual output.
One of the key themes running through the work is the relationship between art and politics, as well as the tension between the aesthetic and public dimensions of art. In this sense, the author argues that the purpose of art is tied to an unavoidable dispute: a question that remains open and takes various forms depending on the sociohistorical context in which it is situated.
During the event, students were able to share reflections and raise questions related to the book’s content, opening a discussion on the conceptual tools necessary for contemporary artistic practice. Through this interaction, students delved deeper into the role of critical thinking as a fundamental tool for artistic creation and the analysis of contemporary contexts.
The course instructors emphasized the importance of these types of activities within the academic program, highlighting how the exposure to theoretical texts and interaction with their authors enriches students’ education.
With initiatives like this, the ADEMA University School reinforces its commitment to teaching art based on reflection, critique, and connection to the contemporary context. Through its Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, ADEMA promotes activities that introduce students to key figures in artistic thought, fostering learning that transcends the classroom and integrates into the current cultural debate.