Pasolini in Chiaroscuro

Pasolini’s work ― rife with classical art references ― continues to inspire filmmakers and artists today.

After his formative years studying art history, Pier Paolo Pasolini used cinema as a sounding board for his political ideas. This book ― and the accompanying exhibition (Nouveau Musée National de Monaco, March 29–September 29, 2024) ― juxtaposes film stills with paintings by masters such as Giorgio Morandi, Fernand Léger, and Francis Bacon to demonstrate how classical and contemporary art influenced the aesthetics of his films. The book includes works by thirty contemporary artists including John Waters, Jenny Holzer, and William Kentridge to demonstrate Pasolini’s lasting influence on the art world.

Though Pier Paolo Pasolini always defined himself as a writer, he became world famous as a filmmaker. This book and the accompanying exhibition presented at the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco focus on the latter aspect of his work. They explore how classical and contemporary art influenced the aesthetic of Pasolini’s films, and how, in turn, his cinematic aesthetic continues to inspire the artists of our time.

About the Authors:

Guillaume de Sardes is a writer, photographer, art historian, and curator.
Bartolomeo Pietromarchi is an art critic, curator, and contemporary art director.