«Je suppose qu’il s’agit d’une exposition d’art conceptuel». Alighiero Boetti 1967-1970

The essay revolves around some hitherto unpublished archival documents related to the participation of Alighiero Boetti to the exhibition "Plaene und Projekte als Kunst", held at Kunsthalle Bern at the end of 1969. Starting from the group of works shown by the artist on that occasion, the essay contextualizes Boetti's practice by retracing a few key precedents - including the legendary Manifesto of 1967, whose history and interpretation is updated through newly discovered information - and establishing a connection with contemporary American artists with whom the artist was in touch - especially Sol LeWitt - or whose work he explicitly addressed, like Walter De Maria. By doing so, the essay provides an history and document based survey on the key moment of transition in Boetti's practice from 1969 to 1970, and offers a new interpretation of the artist's work and vision as part of the international avant-garde emerging at that time.