Selected Italian Comics and Art

Carissimo Pinocchio is a curated exhibition by Paola Bristot, who will be joining us at this year’s Primanima not only as a jury member of the Masters Competition, but also bringing with her the fascinating world of Italian comics and the beloved character of Pinocchio in a special exhibition.

On the anniversary of the birth of Carlo Collodi (1826–1890), the author of Pinocchio, the exhibition presents a selection of contemporary Italian artists who have reimagined the famous wooden puppet through illustration, comics, and animation.

The exhibition traces the rich visual history of Pinocchio, from Enrico Mazzanti’s original illustrations for the first edition of the book in 1883 to contemporary interpretations by artists such as Franco Matticchio, Glenda Sburelin, Igort, Giorgio Carpinteri, Anna Dietzel, Maicol&Mirko, Marco Corona, Luca Salvagno, Massimo Giacon, Riccardo De Biasi, Lorenzo Mattotti, and Gianluigi Toccafondo.

Through a wide range of techniques and styles, these artists bring Pinocchio to life in their own distinctive ways. Some reinterpret the original story, others place the character in a contemporary setting, while others turn their attention to its familiar characters and motifs. From Pinocchio Maltese to Pi-Nokia, the exhibition reveals the remarkable imaginative potential of a character who continues to inspire artists across generations.

At the heart of these interpretations is Pinocchio’s adventurous nature: his curiosity, naivety, dangerous encounters, transformations and endless possibilities. The exhibition also explores what happens when this adventurous world comes to an end – when Pinocchio becomes a real boy and the extraordinary possibilities of his journey seem to disappear.

Ultimately, these works give new life to a character whose story reaches far beyond childhood, inviting us to rediscover a little of the curious, adventurous children we once were.

Curated by Paola Bristot.

The exhibition is on view at BABtér from 14-17 October 2026, throughout the Primanima International First Film Animation Festival.