Maria Rita Bentini

Maria Rita Bentini is a Professor of History of Modern Art and History of Decoration at the Academy of Fine Arts of Bologna (ABABO), where she has taught since 1994. She also teaches at the Academy of Fine Arts in Ravenna since 2008-09 and previously taught at the Academy of Fine Arts in Urbino (1993-94). As Erasmus and International Relations Coordinator of the Academy of Bologna since 1994, she has significantly shaped international academic exchanges. Her academic profile bridges historical research and contemporary art criticism.

Bentini divides her professional interests between historical art studies and contemporary criticism. Her research spans Renaissance to Romanticism studies, public art theory, decoration history, and mosaic art with particular focus on Ravenna's artistic heritage. She explores the relationship between physical space and its negation, structure and skin, matter, light and color, fragmentation and composition through the lens of contemporary aesthetics. Her teaching examines decoration from the late 19th century to contemporary research, considering Adolf Loos's 'Ornament and Crime' as a key issue for 20th century discourse.

Her recent publications reveal consistent scholarly output focused on public art, contemporary mosaic practices, and Ravenna's artistic heritage. The articles demonstrate her expertise in bridging historical contexts with contemporary practices, particularly in Italian public art and mosaic traditions. Her work with the Roberto Daolio Prize for public art represents a sustained commitment to examining how art interacts with urban spaces.

• Honorary Inspector of the Superintendency for Artistic and Historical Heritage for the Province of Ravenna (2003)

Bentini has coordinated significant academic and cultural initiatives including the 'Ravenna 2019 Candidate City European Capital of Culture' artistic-organizing Committee (2010-2014) and served as Educational Coordinator of the Academy of Fine Arts of Ravenna (2008-2011). Her cross-curricular program 'FROM REPRESENTATION TO ACTION. ART AND PUBLIC CONTEXT' demonstrates her commitment to connecting theoretical study with practical application in public spaces. She has also collaborated extensively with the Ravenna Museum of City Art and the Ram competition for young artists (2001-2019).