War Rugs | The Nightmare of Modernism, the Exhibit.

Project curated by Enrico Mascelloni, Giovanni Busacca, Concessionaria 23.

(Book edition: Skira - War rugs-The nightmare of modernism 2010)

On the occasion of the inauguration of the new multipurpose spaces at Via Maiocchi 23, recovered from a historic 1960s garage while preserving its industrial character and original structural features, Concessionaria23 is proud to host, during Milan Art Week and Fuorisalone 2026, for the first time in Milan in a brand new exhibition layout, the major show WAR RUGS: a one-of-a-kind exhibition with an international flavour, which has been displayed in European galleries and American museums such as the renowned Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The idea, born from the project of the owners Antonio and Vincenzo Donadio, the passion and expertise of Enrico Mascelloni, and the artistic curation of Giovanni Busacca (Owner & Founder of Stazione Arte Contemporary), gives a clear signal of the direction set by Concessionaria23, a dynamic and productive reality that aims to establish itself as a new point of reference for the development of cultural and artistic projects for the community and the city of Milan. The exhibition, with its museum-like character, takes us on a unique journey through an unexpected space, where the rugs — displayed "raw" on the walls — with their strong visual impact and communicative power, blend seamlessly into the raw industrial environment, alternating with works and installations on the same theme by contemporary artists: Ernesto Jannini, Corrado Bonomi, Roberto Staffilano, Federico Marcoaldi, Marc Kalinka, and Francesco Garbelli. The theme of war has, unfortunately, become a highly topical issue once again. The exhibition, curated by Giovanni Busacca and Enrico Mascelloni, will be accompanied by the book “War Rugs—The Nightmare of Modernism” (published by SKIRA in 2010). The volume sparked extensive debate far beyond specialized circles and is considered the most up-to-date and comprehensive account of War Rugs published to date