Unconditionally Italian, [Jillian Rio]

The historic exhibition, “Metropole/Colony: Africa and Italy”, is filled with paintings photographs, drawings, and artifacts made by Italians, expressing their support and almost obsession for the Italian government and their decisions. One can argue that these pieces were only made upon request by the government, but it is apparent that these artifacts were produced by clear choice.

The steel wedding band exemplifies the passion Italians held for their country. Italy was in the new hands of the military driven Fascist government so it was no longer the Italy that the population always knew. Nevertheless, Italians still held a strong bond to their country and felt the need to express this attachment. Italians had the option to prove their devotion to their country by donating their gold wedding bands to their government. The Italian government would then exchange the gold band with a steel band. The steel representation of Italian pride was sought over the sentimental value held by a gold wedding ring.

Again with the “Book and case” we see an act of Italian pride, except here it is across the globe in New York. The book was printed in 1937 in New York and an Italian-American produced the intricate wooden case for the book.

The “Postcards” directly next to the “Book and case” are another example of Italian support away from its geographical location. The postcards were produced by an Italian-Argentine in Argentina. They are all formatted in the same way, black and white drawings of moments in Italy during the 1930s. The bounds of these moments are drawn within Fascist shapes and symbols. Each postcard is also tagged at the bottom of the card with a quote from Mussolini and the colors of the Italian flag.

Having cultural pride comes naturally out of love for the country of one’s belonging and in some instances, ignorance. This exhibition showed the strong support of Italy, by Italians, during the Fascist movement. It can be argued that the population was forced to follow their government’s decisions during the Fascist era, however this pride proved to be carried out of the country as well. Italians in the United States and South America continued to display their devotion to the Italian government and military force although they were no longer subjected to Fascist rule.