Ah, Italy in the early 20th century! A time of new beginnings, of machines, and of a completely new way of life. Amid this effervescent atmosphere, a group of young artists drafted a radical manifesto that would change the art world forever. Their credo, perfectly summed up in the sentence „Everything is in motion, everything is rushing by, everything is undergoing rapid transformation”, is more than just a quote—it is the heartbeat of an entire era.
„Everything is in motion, everything is rushing by, everything is undergoing rapid transformation” – Umberto Boccioni (1882–1916)
Literal translation
Everything is moving, everything is rushing, everything is changing in rapid transformation.
Meaning of the quote
This quote captures the essence of Futurism, the revolutionary art movement that swept through Italy at the beginning of the 20th century. It is taken from the „Technical Manifesto of Futurist Painting” of 1910. Boccioni and his fellow artists rebelled against rigid, academic art and the veneration of the past. To them, a race car was more beautiful than the Winged Victory of Samothrace. The statement is a declaration of war against the static: The world is no longer a collection of static objects, but a whirlpool of energy and movement. The goal is to capture the „dynamic sensation” itself on the canvas, to celebrate the thrill of speed and the ceaseless transformation of the modern metropolis.
About the author
Umberto Boccioni (1882–1916) was one of the most brilliant minds and the driving force behind Italian Futurism. As a painter and sculptor, he revolutionized the depiction of movement and space in art. His works, such as the famous painting „The City Rises” (The City That Rises) or the sculpture „Unique Forms of Continuity in Space” (Unique Forms of Continuity in Space), are icons of modernism. Boccioni was not only an artist but also an astute theorist who articulated the movement’s ideas in numerous writings. His promising life came to a tragic end when he was killed in a horseback riding accident during World War I.
Culture tip
To experience the visionary power of Boccioni and Futurism up close, we recommend a visit to the Museo del Novecento in Milan. Located right on Piazza del Duomo, it houses one of the world’s most significant collections of Futurist art, including numerous major works by Boccioni. There, you can feel the energy of this quote in every brushstroke and every sculpture.
In our weekly column Learn Italian - Quote of the week the editorial team of Italy News serves you a small Language espresso. We don't just want to bring you closer to words, but to open the heart and mind of Italy. Discover a new quote every week from the rich world of Italian literature, art, science and culture. Perfect for your next vacation or simply for daydreaming. A presto!
