Non parto non resto (Nove quadrati), 1979

Alighiero Boetti (b. 1940 Italy, d. 1994 Italy) was a prominent Italian conceptual artist and a key figure in the Arte Povera movement. Boetti's work is celebrated for its exploration of duality, order, and chaos, often using everyday materials to challenge traditional notions of art. His most famous works include the embroidered world maps, known as "Mappa," created with the help of Afghan artisans, which reflect his interest in geopolitics and the collaborative process. Boetti was fascinated by the interplay between the individual and the collective, a theme that runs throughout his diverse body of work, ranging from sculpture and installation to drawing and textile art. His innovative approach and intellectual depth have cemented his place as a significant figure in 20th-century art. (Artist website)