Thread, a simple and commonplace material, can become a powerful expressive device when employed by artists. Used for sewing, weaving, and knitting, thread evokes a broad array of meanings: it is a means of creation, a link to memories, and a vehicle for protest. From the bold experiments of the twentieth-century avant-gardes to contemporary works of art addressing current issues, it has become a symbol of dialogue and interaction. This series of four lectures explores how artists such as Giacomo Balla, Alighiero Boetti, Fortunato Depero, Maria Lai, and many others, harnessed thread to bring their visions of the world to life. Get ready to embark on a jourey that will explore not only art, but also the meanings and stories that lie behind this simple material.

The Avant-Gardes

January 27, 2025, 7 pm on Zoom

The first lecture explores the twentieth-century avant-gardes, focusing on artists such as Giacomo Balla and Sonia Delaunay, who employed thread to challenge the boundaries of traditional art. We will examine how, in their works, thread transforms from a decorative element into an essential means of expressing their new concept of the work of art as capable of bringing together different techniques.

This first lecture is free and open to all. Booking is required.

The Twentieth Century

February 3, 2025, 7 pm on Zoom

The twentieth-century works of Fortunato Depero, Ferruccio Ferrazzi, Bice Lazzari, and Arturo Martini have the power to transport viewers to the uncharted territories in their paintings, challenging the conventions of their time. Their use of thread reflects a common effort to explore the connection between form, movement, and meaning, enriching the artistic landscape of that era.

From the 1950s

February 10, 2025, 7 pm on Zoom

The third lecture examines the influence of thread in the works of Alighiero Boetti, Corrado Cagli, Giosetta Fioroni, and Emanuele Luzzati. We will discover how their artistic practices developed to employ thread as a device to communicate cultural and social concerns.

Contemporary Artists

February 17, 2025, 7 pm on Zoom

The final lecture centers on contemporary artists such as Claudia Alarçon, Maria Lai, Sissi, and Emma Talbot to understand how they continue to cross the boundaries of thread, employing it to address current issues and personal experiences in their works. Their use of thread represents and common effort to explore and communicate complex meanings through a simple material which nonetheless holds powerful expressive potential.

How to join
  • The online lectures are held in Italian and last one hour. Participants will receive a Zoom link to join.
  • The first lecture is free and open to all.
  • The three following lectures are open to members only.
  • Donation of 60€ for the entire lecture series, 50€ for teachers presenting proof of employment at a school or institution.
  • Participation is free for Young Pass and Young Pass + friend members.
  • It is not possible to register for a single lecture.
  • It is possible to register mid-course and receive recording of previous lectures.

Register now

Alessandra Montalbetti entered the Education Department of the Superintendence of Artistic-Historical and Demo-Ethno-Anthropological Heritage of Milan in 1982. She creates didactic materials for schools of every grade level and, specializing in contemporary art history, teaches contemporary art lessons in the refresher course for secondary school teachers organized by the Superintendency with the support of the Amici di Brera Association. From 1983 to 1990 she designed the first educational courses for schools for the Civico Museo d'Arte Contemporanea (Cimac) under the Direction of the Civic Museums. In 2000, she participated in the working group of the Superintendence, preparing intercultural teaching materials for primary and lower secondary schools (project "A Brera anch’io"). Since 1983, she has collaborated with important Italian associations and museums (Associazione Amici di Brera e dei Musei Milanesi, Italia nostra, Anisa, Associazione Milano Cultura e Natura, Università Unitre, Associazione Amici del Loggione - Teatro della Scala, Associazione Volarte, Associazione Amici del Museo Bagatti Valsecchi, Rotary Club and, since 2012, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection) while continuing her research and publication work.

Montalbetti will lead this course as her last teaching engagement prior to retirement.

Velvety Step

Workshop for adults organized by Giulia Filippi and Virginia di Lazzaro.