Within Italy in the early 1900s, the values of fascism were exemplified through the shift of society towards a fast-paced, productive, and modernized way of life, based on societal mechanization. Fascism, the ultra-right, authoritarian belief system focuses on national pride and overall prioritization of order over freedom or individualism of its people.
The resulting art was Futurism! It consisted of fast brush strokes, vibrant colors, shapes, repetition and uniformity. This was an illustration of the progression of society and how citizens were becoming increasingly similar, while living mundane and industrial lives. Europe, more specifically Italy, was embracing technology and mechanization with open arms, to replace their prior lives, dreaming that technological advances could change their lives for the better. Many futurists and fascist dictators envisioned Italy rapidly developing through the increased production of goods and industrialization.
This avant-garde artistic and social movement was founded in Milan in 1909 by a poet named Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, whose 1909 manifesto called for a violent break with the past and the rise of speed and the industrial city as the epitome of modern life.
The modern image of Italy included violence, speed, technology, and machinery, all similar values to Futurism’s art, allowing the infamous Benito Mussolini to align with this progress, appealing to younger demographics who dreamed of a modern Italy. By utilizing this booming culture that integrated Futuristic art, Mussolini and his fascist party created a visual culture of a strong, nationalistic, and modern Italy, while completely rejecting ideals of democracy and classical liberalism.
Futurism itself as a movement was anti-traditional and completely anti-liberal, seeking the destruction of the implementation of liberal principles and individualism. Fascist propaganda, infused with the bold, aggressive imagery of Futurism, depicted Mussolini as a visionary leader, where Italy as Europe’s powerhouse.
This culture instilled a huge sense of pride and nationalism in young Italians, who rejected liberal ideas of the generation prior to embracing the strength and discipline now promoted by fascism.
By aligning art and culture with his promises of a bold and proud Italy, Mussolini garnered the attention of Italians far and wide, looking for this positive change that was supposedly meant to arise from the implementation of fascist principles.