Catania, Sicily is set to host “New York anni Ottanta” (New York Eighties), a major exhibition at the Palazzo della Cultura from January 30th to July 12th, 2026. The show promises an immersive journey through the art, music, and underground culture that defined a decade of radical transformation, featuring works by iconic artists like Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. The exhibition aims to explore the creative ferment that reshaped global artistic expression.
Curated by Giuseppe Stagnitta and Marco Mantovani, “New York anni Ottanta” will showcase over 150 works, documenting the emergence of graffiti and the evolution of Pop Art. The exhibition seeks to create a dialogue between mainstream artistic figures and the burgeoning underground movements that challenged conventional norms. This event is anticipated to be one of the most significant cultural highlights of the year in Sicily, drawing attention to Catania’s growing role as a center for artistic innovation.
The exhibition’s opening, held with a preview for the press and institutions, was attended by Catania’s Mayor, Enrico Trantino, signaling the city’s strong support for the project. Pietro Folena, President of Metamorfosi Eventi, Giuseppe Stagnitta, curator and President of Emergence Festival, and Marco Kayone Mantovani, co-curator, were also present at the inauguration, according to reports.
A Dialogue Between Mainstream and Underground
“New York anni Ottanta” intends to present a comprehensive view of the cultural revolution that swept through New York City in the 1980s. The exhibition will juxtapose established artists like Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Robert Indiana, Joseph Beuys, Robert Morris, Sol LeWitt, and Arman with the innovative forces of the underground scene. This includes the rise of break dance, hip hop, graffiti writing, and street art – movements that championed social, cultural, racial, and artistic emancipation, ultimately shaping a new urban lifestyle.
The exhibition’s curatorial approach, led by Stagnitta and Mantovani, aims to demonstrate how these seemingly disparate worlds intersected and influenced one another. The show is sponsored by the Comune di Catania (Municipality of Catania) and produced by Metamorfosi Eventi and Emergence Festival, with a catalog published by Gangemi Editore.
Warhol and Banksy: A Separate Exhibition at the Palazzo della Cultura
Alongside “New York anni Ottanta,” the Palazzo della Cultura in Catania is also hosting a separate exhibition focusing on the contrasting styles of Andy Warhol and Banksy. Curated by Sabina de Gregori and Giuseppe Stagnitta, this exhibition, which runs until spring 2026, aims to explore the communication strategies of two artists from different eras. Sicilia Preziosa reports that the exhibition features over 100 works, including Banksy’s “Hula Hoop” mural from Nottingham in 2020 and Warhol’s 1967 self-portrait.
The Banksy-Warhol exhibition is organized by E-Venti in collaboration with the Fandango Entertainment association, with support from the Assessorato alla Cultura del Comune di Catania (Department of Culture of the Municipality of Catania) and the Regione Sicilia (Region of Sicily), as well as various private sponsors.
A Legacy of Artistic Innovation
Giuseppe Stagnitta has a proven track record in curating successful exhibitions at the Palazzo della Cultura, having previously curated and produced “Warhol Bansky, confronto tra le due superstar della comunicazione” (Warhol Banksy, a comparison between the two communication superstars) in 2021, described as one of the most successful exhibitions in Sicily in recent years, according to Emergence Festival.
The simultaneous exhibitions – “New York anni Ottanta” and the Warhol-Banksy comparison – position the Palazzo della Cultura as a key destination for contemporary art enthusiasts. The exhibitions offer a unique opportunity to examine the evolution of artistic expression and the enduring impact of these influential figures.
As both exhibitions continue through the summer of 2026, they are expected to draw significant attention to Catania’s cultural landscape and contribute to the city’s growing reputation as a vibrant center for the arts. The ongoing dialogue between these artists and movements promises to spark further discussion and appreciation for the transformative power of creativity.
Readers interested in learning more about the exhibitions are encouraged to follow updates from the Palazzo della Cultura and Emergence Festival. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
