Essere già un'altra cosa. Sui labirinti di Bottiroli attraverso Borges e De Kooning

Abstract

The paper explores the concept of labyrinth through the perspectives of philosophy, literature, and art, focusing on Giovanni Bottiroli’s theories and using Jorge Luis Borges and Willem de Kooning as case studies. It distinguishes between logical labyrinths (conceptual, paradoxical structures) and morphological labyrinths (physical or imagined architectural forms), and introduces the notion of a strategic labyrinth. Bottiroli’s strategic labyrinth is characterized by continuous mutation, where paths and exits shift dynamically based on the observer’s actions. The article examines the intricate interactions between order and confusion within these labyrinthine structures and highlights the confusivity that arises as viewers seek meaning in complex patterns that evade a single interpretation. Bottiroli’s critique of literary interpretations, particularly against Hillis Miller’s reading of Borges, underscores the existential stakes embedded in labyrinthine spaces, positioning them as cognitive arenas where strategic thinking confronts shifting realities. Through a blend of theoretical analysis and artistic examples, the article proposes new insights into Bottiroli’s work, suggesting that strategic labyrinths offer a unique lens on perception, reality, and the search for meaning.