The Italian American Museum of Los Angeles (IAMLA) is pleased to present a collective exhibition “ITALIANITÀ: Italian Diaspora Artists Examine Identity.” The exhibition features celebrated artists Joseph Stella, Ralph Fasanella, Italo Scanga, Leo Politi, Paolo Soleri, Luigia Martelloni, Cynthia Minet, and Robert Peluce, among others.
In the arts, the term diaspora refers to artists who have migrated from one part of the world to another or whose ancestors did. Their diverse experiences influence their work, which explores themes such as dual identity, memory, folklore, faith, dislocation, and migration. The artists create alternative narratives and challenge the established notions of belonging.
Between 1876 and 1914, fourteen million people left Italy during what was one of the largest migrations in history; millions more would emigrate in the years following World War II.
Using the visual arts as a vehicle, ITALIANITÀ, which translates to “Italian-ness”, features more than twenty artists whose work showcases the complex nature of the Italian Diaspora, and celebrates the beliefs, traditions, and defining characteristics connected to this movement.
Among the highlights of ITALIANITÀ is Joseph Stella’s monumental 1935 work “Smoke Stacks,” which will be on view for the first time in California. Rare drawings by architect Paolo Soleri, the founder of the experimental Arizona town of Arcosanti, will be shown alongside the work of McCarthy-era blacklisted artist Ralph Fasanella and with that of Italo Scanga, best known for his Potato Famine series, and centenarian painter Margaret Ricciardi. Other works exhibited will include an illuminated, life-size, mixed media sculpture by American-born Cynthia Minet, who was raised in Rome, Rico LeBrun, a leading figure in California’s modernist movement, and Joe Mugnaini, Ray Bradbury’s long-time illustrator.
The exhibition, part of a series of celebrations in honor of the 110th anniversary of the Italian Hall, is made possible by the support of Riboli Family of San Antonio Winery, Leno and Paul Sislin, Umina Brothers, and El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument.
Directions: Take the Metro Red Line, Gold Line, or Purple Line to Union Station/Gateway Transit Center. Exit the station and walk across N. Alameda Street to El Pueblo Historical Monument. Continue west to Main Street, then walk North one block to Cesar Chavez. The IAMLA is located near the 101 and 110 freeway intersection.
About the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles (IAMLA) The IAMLA is located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles in one of the oldest remaining structures from the city's Little Italy, listed today on the National Register of Historic Places.  After a $4.5 million restoration, the IAMLA re-opened in 2016 as a 21st century, interactive center with a permanent exhibition showcasing the history and ongoing contributions of Italian Americans in Southern California and beyond, a largely overlooked topic. The mission of the IAMLA is to foster understanding of Southern California’s diverse heritage through research, historic preservation, and educational programs that examine the history and continuing contributions of Italian Americans in multi-ethnic Los Angeles and the United States. The IAMLA is part of El Pueblo of Los Angeles Historical Monument, the birthplace of the City of Los Angeles.