In the history of twentieth - century collectivism in art, Colab has so far occupied an inferior position in comparison with
coeval groups like General Idea or Group Material that were smaller, more structured, and more inclined to dialogue with the official art world.
[3] This was at a time when dialogue and debate with the
coeval international avantgardes was becoming most intense, conducted through a series of
group surveys in which Penone took part.