Metropole/Colony Exhibition, Alexandra Pagliery

The fact that the exhibition, Metropole/Colony, gathers together artifacts and information in a variety of different forms to emphasize the importance of the colonization of African cities for the growth of Italy makes it extremely successful. There are multiple types of media including paintings, sculptures, propaganda posters, books, and even bread plates in which information is presented and this helps to accentuate the true pride the Italians felt for their country in this Fascist era. If there was only one type of media presented, it may seem that the government commissioned the artwork or writings, but since there are a variety of medias that were produced in different geographical locations, it proves that the pieces were not forced.

The colonization provided Italians with confidence in themselves and their countries. This is especially evident to a viewer of the exhibit in the posters that advertise travel to the African colonies via the same routes the Italian army took. The Italians were confident enough to advertise this travel through the use of the posters because they felt the trip would allow tourists to retrace the important historic events.  The figurines on display of the airplane and rail car allow a viewer to see how Italians used transportation to display their pride. The fact that the rail car became an iconic symbol and that the airplanes were modeled after military aircraft proves that the Italians were proud enough to give tourists a feeling of taking the same flights as their conquering army. Another form of media that exemplifies the patriotism of the Italians to the viewer of the exhibit is the children’s board game. This proves that even the children participated in the connection with the army and their advances into Africa. Photographs of grains and fields also demonstrate the agricultural emphasis during the time, and how Italians were proud to be part of a growing empire. The sculpture, The Harvest, particularly allows a viewer to understand how the Italians felt toward their agriculture accomplishments. This sculpture provides emotions they felt that one cannot get from a photograph. Likewise, the bread plate is with the verse on it shows a viewer how serious the Italians were about their grain production and consumption.

The use of the different media and materials versus just one or two types is a vital aspect of the Metropole/Colony exhibit. It allows a viewer of the exhibit to become fully integrated into the idea that the exhibit explores. It is a way of providing evidence upon evidence that proves that the colonization of Africa was important for Italy and allows for a three dimensional experience of that time in history.