The Transavanguardia show in Milan
 

The 1980s saw the return of figurative painting in Europe, with the German New Fauves, and the French Figuration Libre movement. In Italy, something similar happened in the shape of Transavanguardia, while Jean Michel Basquiat, David Salle and Julian Schnabel from the USA rapidly scaled the peaks of the art market. Transavanguardia was given a critical footing by Achille Bonito Oliva, who described its characteristics as a return to painting and figurative subjects, along with references to Italian art history and local popular culture. It was in a way a reaction to the most extreme avant-garde art trends of the day such as conceptual and minimalist art. Five artists are associated with the movement, Sandro Chia, Enzo Cucchi, Francesco Clemente, Nicola De Maria and Mimmo Paladino. Their work will be on show at Palazzo Reale in Milan (Piazza Duomo) from 24 November 2011 to 4 March 2012, with 15 works by each artist. The show is open Monday 14.30-19.30, other days 9.30-19.30, closing at 22.30 on Thursday and Saturday. €8 adults.