The Senses of Giallo: The Body of Crime between Deception and Evidence; an exhibition
From March 14 to April 10, 2025, in the Contemporary Exhibition Hall of IULM 6, IULM University is hosting the exhibition The Senses of Giallo. The Body (of Crime) between Deception and Evidence. The opening will be held on March 13, 2025, at 6 p.m.
The exhibition "I Sensi del Giallo" is part of the dissemination activities of the results of the PRIN (Project of Significant National Interest) research - Atlas of the Yellow. Media History and Popular Culture in Italy (1954-2020), which involves, in addition to IULM University of Milan, Link University of Rome, the University of Turin, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna and the University of Studies "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara. The research investigates the history of the Italian giallo as a privileged key to rereading the processes of the country's cultural industry, exploring the connections between literature, cinema, television and comics.
An exhibition on the Italian giallo: from literature to popular culture
Curated by Luisella Farinotti, Annalisa Pellino and Davide Rapp, with the scientific direction of Gianni Canova and Luisella Farinotti, the exhibition explores how the giallo has influenced and evolved through Italian media. Through a sensory and multimedia reading, I Sensi del Giallo investigates how the giallo, from literary genre to mass phenomenon, stimulates and deceives the senses, in the construction of the crime scene and investigation. The exhibition presents itself as a true "crime scene," where traces and clues are interwoven with video- and audio-installations exploring various aspects of the genre
Exhibition path: between sensoriality and crime
The exhibition itinerary is filled with never-before-seen objects of study and media interactions: starting with the famous covers of Mondadori detective stories by Carlo Jacono, continuing with detective puzzles in illustrated periodicals, and a section dedicated to comics, exploring their role in defining the genre.
In addition, the exhibition explores the dimension of the occult and the paranormal in the magic screenplays of the 1970s, and includes a sound installation with readings by contemporary crime writers, as well as a reflection on female detection. While the final part is devoted to the darker side more of the detective story with references to "Black Milan," evoking the gritty reality of the news, and to the giallo cinema of the 1970s.
Program and access
The opening of the exhibition will be held on March 13 at 6 p.m. To participate, free of charge, you must register at this form.
The exhibition will be open to the public from March 14 to April 10, 2025. Admission is free Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A program of public events, including master classes and talks, will enrich the exhibition's opening period, with insights into the detective story and its connections to contemporary culture.
The exhibition is realized with the contribution of the Ministry of University and Research (MUR), IULM University, Milan, University of Studies "G. D'Annunzio," Chieti - Pescara, and supported by Astorina
Masterclasses and Talks Open to the Public
The event program linked to the exhibition Sensi del giallo. Corpo del reato tra inganno ed evidenza offers meetings with authors and experts to explore crime fiction through comics, literature, and cinema. All events are open to the public, and the first three are part of the Badge of Honour initiative.
- Crime Comics. Seriality, Authorship, Intermediality
March 14, 11:00 AM
IULM 6, Sala dei 146
Free entry with prior registration via this form
This event is part of the Badge of Honour initiative
A discussion on the different forms of crime comics in Italy with Luca Crovi, Mario Gomboli, and Silver, moderated by Roberto Guarino and Matteo Pollone.
- "Dark Milan" from Scerbanenco to Bacilieri
March 18, 5:00 PM
IULM 1, Aula Seminari
Free entry with prior registration via this form
This event is part of the Badge of Honour initiative
Comic artist Paolo Bacilieri talks with Gianni Canova and Rocco Moccagatta about the graphic novel adaptation of Giorgio Scerbanenco’s novels. Readings by students from the Centro Universitario Teatro.
- The Role of the Senses. The Sensory Plot of Crime Fiction
March 28, 11:30 AM
IULM 6, Sala dei 146
Free entry with prior registration via this form
This event is part of the Badge of Honour initiative
Gabriella Genisi, Alessandro Perissinotto, and Dario Sardelli discuss how their detectives use the five senses in investigations. Moderated by Valentina Re.
- Foley in Crime Films. Masterclass with Mauro Eusepi
April 10, 2.00-4.00 pm
IULM 5, Aula 542
Limited to 40 participants. Sign up here.
Foley artist Mauro Eusepi, a David di Donatello award winner, unveils the secrets behind sound creation in crime films. Moderated by Annalisa Pellino.
Attending the three talks "Crime Comics. Seriality, Authorship, Intermediality," "Dark Milan" from Scerbanenco to Bacilieri, and "The Role of the Senses. The Sensory Plot of Crime Fiction" counts as completing 1 out of 4 required activities (for Master’s students) and 1 out of 6 required activities (for Bachelor’s students) necessary to earn a Badge of Honour credit.