The concept of "meaning" as a term of encoding and common reference is described by Rospigliosi in his text Defunzionalizzazioni. It is represented through installations dating back to the mid-1980s. In this case, the concept is explored through performative actions involving objects and living organisms. In instances where the performative action involves the use of human beings, defunctionalization is considered partial. Most of the performances presented were conceived between 1996 and 2001. Their realization is ongoing.

The forced impairment of functions and morphology of living objects and organisms, caused by the interference of prosthetic elements or interventions aimed at modifying their nature, generates a space defined as "A-mutated". In this new state, the original meaning "B-coherent" is canceled out, as the organism or object is no longer able to manifest its original aesthetics and functions. However, the subject/object takes on a new morphology and a new ontological determination. The new condition, defined as "C-native", in addition to generating a new "state of being", causes an aesthetic and conceptual distortion. As the mind continues to recognize the morphology and function of the subject/object in its original state. Because of the mnemonic information linked to its “former” meaning “B-coherent”. In summary, defunctionalization in living organisms, as in objects, involves the "redefinition" of meaning and function, which adapts to the new morphology and new circumstances of the organism or object.

Defunctionalization 16c. (Performance installation of 2 minutes). The object/subject separated from its function, takes on a new morphology and a new Ontological determination. Designed in 2002 and realized in 2025©. Photograph of the installation cm 70x50. 10 copies

Defunctionalization 5a. (Performance installation of 13 minutes). The object/subject separated from its function, takes on a new morphology and a new Ontological determination. Designed in 2002 and realized in 2025©. Photograph of the installation cm 70x50. 10 copies

Defunctionalization 6. (Performance installation of 11 minutes). The object/subject separated from its function, takes on a new morphology and a new Ontological determination. Designed in 2002 and realized in 2025©. Photograph of the installation cm 70x50. 10 copies

Defunctionalization 9. (Performance installation of 3 minutes). The object/subject separated from its function, takes on a new morphology and a new Ontological determination. Designed in 2002 and realized in 2025©. Photograph of the installation cm 70x50. 10 copies

Defunctionalization 8f. (Performance installation of 2.5 minutes). The object/subject separated from its function, takes on a new morphology and a new Ontological determination. Designed in 2002 and realized in 2025©. Photograph of the installation cm 70x50. 10 copies

Defunctionalization S12. Prosthesis. (17-minute performance installation). The object/subject separated from its function, takes on a new morphology and a new Ontological determination. Designed in 1999 and created in 2024©. Photograph of the installation cm 70x50. 10 copies

Prosthetics and Defunctionalization a-3. Mobile artwork. (30 minute performative installation). The object/subject separated from its function takes on a new morphology and a new ontological determination. Designed in 1999 and built in 2024©. Photographs of the installations. 70x50 cm. 10 copies

Prosthetics and Defunctionalization a-1. Mobile artwork. (47 minute performative installation). The object/subject separated from its function takes on a new morphology and a new ontological determination. Designed in 1999 and built in 2024©. Photographs of the installations 70x50 cm. 10 copies

Defunctionalization at. Mobile artwork. (14 minute performative installation). The object/subject separated from its function takes on a new morphology and a new ontological determination. Designed in 2000 and built in 2024©. Photograph of the installation 70x50 cm. 10 copies

Defunctionalization bh. Mobile artwork. (20 minute performative installation). The object/subject separated from its function takes on a new morphology and a new ontological determination. Designed in 2000 and built in 2024©. Photograph of the installation 70x50 cm. 10 copies

Prosthetics and Defunctionalization a-2. Mobile artwork. (38 minute performative installation). The object/subject separated from its function takes on a new morphology and a new ontological determination. Designed in 1999 and built in 2024©. Photographs of the installations 70x50 cm. 10 copies

Defunctionalization a-10. Mobile artwork. (26 minute performative installation). The object/subject separated from its function takes on a new morphology and a new ontological determination. Designed in 2000 and built in 2024©. Photograph of the installation 70x50 cm. 10 copies

Mimesis and Defunctionalization (54 minute performative installation). 2022©. Photography of the installation 70x50 cm. 1/10

Defunctionalization a-p (59 minute performative installation). 2022©. The object/subject separated from its function takes on a new morphology and a new ontological determination. Photography of the installation 70x50 cm. 1/10