Danilo Bastione

Ein Modell großer Mythologie

Ein Modell großer Mythologie
2026
Galerie der Künstler*innen, Munich

Plaster, lacquer,
hydro dipping, 52 printed tiles

Video work : 07:42 minutes, loop

Winner of Recipient of the 2027
Art Promotion Award from the BBK Munich and Upper Bavaria
(Kunstförderpreis des BBK München und Oberbayern 2027)

The phrase “Eat shit! Millions of flies can’t be wrong” is a provocative aphorism that criticizes conformism and the tendency to follow the masses without thinking critically.

It suggests that the popularity of an idea or product does not guarantee either its quality or its validity.

The phrase is often attributed to the Austrian journalist and satirist Karl Kraus (early 20th century) or, in the Italian context, to Marcello Marchesi and Sebastiano Vassalli.

With the advent of digital technologies, a new, magical dimension emerged, establishing digital realism as a foundation for thought. Symbolism began to fade, making way for a specific aesthetic of the magical and for a socially unattainable desire.

Excessive consumption of technology often leads to an increasing complexity of visual worlds on the internet and in film, pushing image processing to its limits. A behavioral pattern, a symbol, or the self.

Time becomes blurred; there are no longer any clear boundaries. Stories from real life, inexplicable memories, an unknown world, or an old story resurfacing.

In 1961, Umberto Eco wrote a “Diario Minimo” entitled The Phenomenology of Mike Bongiorno. In it, he used the television presenter Mike Bongiorno and his show Wheel of Fortune as a point of reference for describing his phenomenology.

“Mike Bongiorno is not ashamed of his ignorance and sees no need to educate himself further.”

“The viewer sees an image of his own limitations glorified and officially endowed with national authority.”

“No effort is required to understand him. Every viewer believes that, on certain occasions, they could express themselves more eloquently than he does.”

“He does not create inferiority complexes, even though he presents himself as an idol, and the audience thanks him with love. He embodies an ideal that no one should aspire to, because everyone is already on his level. No religion has ever been so indulgent toward its followers.”