Rose 27/70

Lucio Fontana
(1899-1968, Rosario, Argentine)

Lucio Fontana was born on February 19, 1899, in Rosario, Argentina. He was the son of Luigi Fontana, an Italian sculptor, and Lucia Bottini, an Argentine actress. At the age of six, he returned to Italy with his family, where he spent his childhood.

Early Life and Education

Lucio Fontana was born on February 19, 1899, in Rosario, Argentina. He was the son of Luigi Fontana, an Italian sculptor, and Lucia Bottini, an Argentine actress. At the age of six, he returned to Italy with his family, where he spent his childhood.

Fontana returned to Argentina in 1922 after serving in the Italian army during World War I. He began working in his father's workshop, where he created his first sculptures. In 1928, he returned to Italy and enrolled at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts in Milan, where he studied under the guidance of Adolfo Wildt.

Early Career and Artistic Experimentation

In the early 1930s, Fontana became known for his innovative approach to sculpture. He became involved in several avant-garde art groups, where he began experimenting with unconventional forms and materials.

In the 1940s, Fontana returned to Argentina, where he taught and continued experimenting with various forms of artistic expression. His work began to gain attention for its ability to push the boundaries of traditional sculpture.

Spazialismo and the "Concetti Spaziali"

In 1949, Lucio Fontana made a decisive break from traditional artistic conventions by founding the "Spazialismo" (Spatialism) movement. This movement aimed to transcend the boundaries of painting and sculpture by incorporating a spatial dimension.

To bring the ideas of Spazialismo to life, Fontana created the "Concetti Spaziali" (Spatial Concepts). These works are characterized by the famous "tagli" (cuts), incisions he made on the canvas using a knife. These cuts create a unique interaction between space, light, and matter, redefining the pictorial surface and opening a dialogue about the fourth dimension.

Recognition and Legacy

From the 1950s onward, Fontana's works began to receive widespread recognition in the art world. He exhibited in international galleries and museums, establishing a strong reputation as a central figure in modern and contemporary art.

Lucio Fontana died on September 7, 1968, in Comabbio, Italy. His work continues to influence contemporary artists, and his "Concetti Spaziali" remain iconic pieces that redefined the perception of space in art.