Turin, a city renowned for its art and excellence, once again provides the backdrop for one of the most anticipated events in Italy and beyond: the International Book Fair. Now in its 36th edition, this year's fair drew an impressive 222,000 attendees, marking it as one of the most successful editions to date.
Under the direction of Annalena Benini, a well-known Italian author and journalist, the 2024 edition was packed with events over five days dedicated to culture. Titled "The Imaginary Life" as a tribute to writer Natalia Ginzburg, this year's fair celebrates the imagination that fuels the creativity of writers and artists. The event's poster, illustrated by artist Sara Calaone, aims to convey the importance of embracing one's inner vision rather than merely conforming to daily routine.
Riccardo Musacchio&Chiara Pasqualini
Imagination was given free rein throughout the expansive Lingotto exhibition space, proving once again to be an ideal venue with over 137,000 square meters, including the Oval and Pista 500 of the Agnelli Art Gallery. Additionally, numerous locations hosted events for the "Salone off" program.
Talks, presentations, performances, and exhibitions thrived among the various stands of numerous publishing houses, including the esteemed Treccani. Treccani unveiled a limited edition of 299 copies of Marco Polo's "Il Milione," as part of their "Revealed Treasures" series.
Among the highlights of self-production and graphic-narrative experimentation was "This is not a love song," which reimagines pop culture through comics, reviving obsolete formats like cassettes and VHS tapes, riding the wave of renewed interest in vintage.
Noteworthy exhibitions included those at Bookstock, showcasing the finalists of the XI edition of the Silent Book Contest - Gianni De Conno Award, and a photographic exhibit in Piazzale 3, "Not Just Ladies. Women at Work from the 1910s to the 1970s," focusing on women's roles in history.
Riccardo Musacchio&Chiara Pasqualini
A highly anticipated but controversial event was the talk with philosopher Rosi Braidotti and Elena Cecchettin, which was disrupted by the Pro Vita movement opposing the topics discussed. Palestinian activists also made their voices heard at the Lingotto fairgrounds. Comic artist Zerocalcare, present to promote his latest book "Quando muori resta a me" published by Bao Publishing, showed solidarity with the protesters.
Mental health talks aimed at destigmatizing the topic and discussions on the concept of fear in our time, led by the great Dacia Maraini, were also significant parts of the fair.
Imagination and culture, along with rebellion and change, were the fundamental pillars of this year's International Book Fair, which once again proved to be a fascinating reflection of our era.
