Riccardo Perugini (1996)

Written to commemorate the centenary of Giacomo Matteotti’s death, Il pellegrino del nulla does not focus on historical events. Instead of depicting the tragic events of the political assassination, it abstracts them to convey a everlasting message, detached from cultural contingencies. Antonio Gramsci described Matteotti as a “pellegrino del nulla” (pilgrim of nothingness), rebelling and sacrificing for an idea, a value that can symbolically transcends the limitations of his time. Perugini and De Santis exalt the notion that every uncorrupted ideal of freedom is destined to prevail over oppression. The strength of a pure idea allows to overcome the impositions of a prevailing power, causing pain and threatening death. Contrarily, the murder legitimises the censored ideal and a means to eternalises the value of his sacrifice.