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Lucio Fontana
(1899-1968, Rosario, Argentine)
Lucio Fontana (1899-1968) was an Italian-Argentinian artist, widely recognised for his pioneering role in modern and contemporary art. Born on 19 February 1899 in Rosario, Argentina, he was the son of an Italian sculptor, Luigi Fontana, and an Argentinian actress, Lucia Bottini. In 1905, he returned to Italy with his family, where he spent his childhood and received an artistic education.
BIRTH AND ORIGINS
Lucio Fontana was born on 19 February 1899 in Rosario, Argentina. He was the son of Luigi Fontana, an Italian sculptor, and Lucia Bottini, an Argentinian actress. At the age of six, he returned to Italy with his family, where he spent his childhood.
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.
