Emilio Scanavino was a prominent Italian artist renowned for his unique approach to abstract expressionism. His work is characterized by an intense exploration of form and space, often using bold lines and dramatic contrasts to convey deep emotional and philosophical themes. Scanavino's artistic expression is both dynamic and thought-provoking, making him a significant figure in the contemporary art scene.
From Genoa Prodigy to Avant-Garde Maestro
Born on February 28, 1922, in the coastal city of Genoa, Italy, Emilio Scanavino displayed an early passion for creativity. His budding talent led him to the Accademia Ligustica di Belle Arti in Genoa, where he refined his abilities in both painting and sculpture. This foundational training set the stage for his future as a prominent creator.
In 1938, he enrolled at the Art School Nicolò Barabino, where he met Mario Calonghi, a teacher who greatly influenced his artistic formation. By 1942, Scanavino had his first exhibition at the Salone Romano of Genoa and enrolled at the Faculty of Architecture at Milan University. In 1946, he married Giorgina Graglia, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
Following the turmoil of World War II, he relocated to Milan, a bustling hub for avant-garde creativity. In this dynamic city, he became deeply involved with the vibrant creative community, allowing his style and techniques to evolve and mature. His time in Milan proved pivotal, providing numerous opportunities to collaborate with other innovative minds and to exhibit his creations.
In 1947, he moved to Paris, where he met poets and creators such as Edouard Jaguer, Wols, and Camille Bryen. This experience proved inspirational, especially influencing his interest in Cubism. He rendered this interest into a personal interpretation, exhibited at the Gallery Isola in Genoa in 1948.
In 1950, Scanavino and Rocco Borrella joined "I sette del Numero," a collective centered around the Numero Gallery in Florence. That same year, he was invited to the 27th edition of the Venice Biennale and had a joint exhibition with sculptor Sarah Jackson at the Apollinaire Gallery in London. During his time in London, he met prominent figures such as Phillip Martin, Eduardo Paolozzi, Graham Sutherland, and Francis Bacon. He also opened his first studio in Milan, in an attic in Foro Bonaparte, with early support from critic Guido Ballo and dealers Guido Le Noci and Arturo Schwartz.
In 1952, Scanavino worked at the Marzotti's Ceramic Factory in Albissola Marina, where he befriended many artists, including Lucio Fontana, Asger Jorn, Corneille, Roberto Matta, Wifredo Lam, Giuseppe Capogrossi, Enrico Baj, Sergio Dangelo, Roberto Crippa, Gianni Dova, Agenore Fabbri, and Aligi Sassu. His network and collaborations expanded significantly during this period.
In 1962, Scanavino purchased an old house in Calice Ligure, later converting it into a studio space. The following year, he won the La Spezia Prize but was deeply affected by the sudden death of Carlo Cardazzo, a pivotal figure in his life. Although Cardazzo's brother Renato continued to run the Naviglio Gallery, the loss had a significant impact on Scanavino.
After participating for the fourth time in the Venice Biennale, where he won the Pininfarina Prize, he permanently moved to Calice Ligure in 1968. In 1970, he won the Grand Prix at the 10th Mentone Biennale and met Franco Castelli, then editor of L'uomo e l'Arte, who became one of his closest friends and supporters.
In 1971, Scanavino underwent major surgery, and the recovery period marked the start of a new creative phase in his painting. He traveled to Belgium, France, and Germany, and in 1974, the Darmstadt Kunsthalle organized a comprehensive retrospective exhibition that later traveled to Venice's Palazzo Grassi and Milan's Royal Palace.
In 1982, his health began to decline. His last exhibition was at the 1986 edition of the Rome Quadriennale. Emilio Scanavino passed away in Milan on November 28, 1986.
Throughout his illustrious career, Scanavino's pieces were showcased in numerous exhibitions across Italy and around the globe. His contributions to modern visual culture were widely recognized, establishing him as a significant and influential figure in contemporary creative circles. His exhibitions not only highlighted his unique approach to abstract expressionism but also cemented his reputation as a leading artist of his time.
Unraveling Style and Celebrated Masterpieces
The artistic style of the Italian master Emilio Scanavino is deeply rooted in abstract expressionism, a movement known for emphasizing spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation. His works often feature intricate, intertwined lines that convey a sense of movement and complexity. These abstract forms can be interpreted as symbols of inner turmoil, existential angst, or metaphysical inquiry. The artist's use of black and white, along with muted tones, enhances the dramatic impact of his compositions.
"Come fuoco nella cenere" is one of Scanavino's most important works, presented at the 30th Venice Biennale in 1960. This painting marks a turning point in the artist's career, where he begins to develop a more personal and mature language. The work is characterized by a strong gestural component and evocative use of color, reflecting the tension and energy typical of his compositions. The intricate interplay of light and shadow in this work demonstrates Scanavino's skill in creating depth and contrast, drawing the viewer into a contemplative state (Wikipedia) (Archivio Scanavino).
"Il cordone ombelicale" is another significant work by Scanavino, created in 1967. This piece stands out for its use of abstract and intricate forms that express strong emotion and conceptual complexity. The sculpture uses simple materials but is characterized by marks and incisions that recall his pictorial style, creating a link between his various art forms. The work symbolizes the indissoluble bond and deep connection, recurring themes in Scanavino's work (Wikipedia) (Archivio Scanavino).
Overall, Scanavino's contributions to abstract expressionism not only demonstrate great technical prowess but also provide a window into the deeper, often tumultuous aspects of the human psyche. His ability to transform abstract shapes into powerful symbols of inner experience continues to resonate with audiences and cements his place as a key figure in modern art
TRAME (1978) Printmaking by Emilio Scanavino
Analysis of some masterpieces
Analysis and Description of "TRAME" (1978)
"TRAME" (1978) is a lithograph on paper by the renowned Italian creative Emilio Scanavino. This piece exemplifies his distinctive style, which is deeply rooted in abstract expressionism. The print is part of a series of estampas and grabados, showcasing his masterful technique and unique approach to abstract art.
The composition of "TRAME" is striking and thought-provoking. It features a dynamic interplay of lines and forms, primarily rendered in black on a white background. The central element is a complex, almost chaotic cluster of angular lines and shapes, located towards the lower right section of the paper. This cluster appears to be an intricate tangle of lines, suggesting a sense of movement and tension.
The choice of lithography allows for a high level of detail and subtle gradations of tone. The sharp, crisp lines contrast sharply with the softer, smudged areas, creating a compelling visual texture. The use of black and white enhances the dramatic effect, emphasizing the starkness and intensity of the forms.
"TRAME" is a quintessential example of Scanavino's abstract expressionist style. The piece reflects his interest in the subconscious and the emotional power of abstract forms. The seemingly random arrangement of lines and shapes invites viewers to interpret the piece in their own way, eliciting personal emotional and intellectual responses.
The scattered, fine lines that extend across the upper portion of the piece contribute to a sense of fragmentation and dispersion, contrasting with the density and cohesion of the central cluster. This juxtaposition creates a dynamic tension within the composition, characteristic of his creations.
The title "TRAME," which translates to "weaves" or "plots" in English, suggests a thematic focus on complexity and interconnection. The tangled lines can be seen as metaphorical representations of intricate networks or relationships, perhaps alluding to the complexities of human experience or the interwoven nature of reality.
His work often explores themes of existential angst and metaphysical inquiry. In "TRAME," the dense, almost oppressive central mass of lines could be interpreted as a visual representation of inner turmoil or existential struggle, while the surrounding space might symbolize the vast, undefined context of human existence.
1980 (1980) Printmaking by Emilio Scanavino
Analysis and Description of "1980" (1980)
"1980" (1980) is a screenprint on paper by the renowned Italian creator Emilio Scanavino. This piece exemplifies his distinctive approach to abstract art, showcasing mastery of line, form, and color in a striking and thought-provoking composition.
The screenprint "1980" is characterized by a bold interplay of geometric shapes and intricate lines. Dominating the composition is a large triangular form rendered in vibrant red, creating a strong focal point. Within this red triangle, a dense network of black and white lines forms an abstract, almost chaotic structure that seems to pulsate with energy.
The use of screenprinting allows for precise, clean lines and vibrant, solid colors. The choice of this medium highlights an interest in the technical possibilities of printmaking, enabling a high level of detail and contrast. The red triangle is solid and opaque, providing a stark backdrop for the more intricate black and white linear forms that overlay it.
Scanavino's style in "1980" aligns with his abstract expressionist roots, emphasizing the emotional impact of form and color. The chaotic lines within the triangle can be interpreted as symbols of inner conflict or existential angst, a recurring theme in his art. The stark contrast between the red background and the black and white lines adds to the dramatic effect, creating a sense of tension and dynamism.
The piece's geometric precision contrasts with the organic, almost frantic quality of the lines, showcasing a balance between order and chaos in compositions. This interplay between structured geometry and freeform abstraction is a hallmark of this artistic style.
"1980" invites viewers to contemplate the relationship between structure and disorder, a common theme in Scanavino's creations. The red triangle might symbolize stability or a fixed point of reference, while the tangled lines within it suggest complexity and unpredictability. This juxtaposition encourages reflection on the nature of existence and the interplay between different aspects of reality.
Dominating Global Exhibitions and the High-Stakes Art Market
Scanavino's work has been exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide, including the Venice Biennale and the Documenta in Kassel. His paintings and sculptures are highly sought after in the art market, often fetching high prices at auctions. The enduring appeal of his work lies in its emotional depth and innovative use of form and space, which continue to captivate collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
How Emilio Inspires Modern Artists
Many contemporary artists have drawn inspiration from Emilio Scanavino's approach to abstract expressionism. His emphasis on the subconscious and the emotional impact of form has influenced a wide range of creators, from painters to sculptors. Artists such as Alberto Burri and Lucio Fontana have acknowledged Scanavino's impact on their work, particularly in how they approach material and texture in their creations.
Little-Known Facts
Few people know that Emilio Scanavino was also an accomplished ceramist. He experimented extensively with ceramics, creating unique pieces that reflected his abstract style. Additionally, Scanavino had a deep interest in philosophy and often incorporated philosophical themes into his art, exploring concepts of existence, consciousness, and the human condition.
Emilio Scanavino's legacy in the world of abstract expressionism is marked by his innovative use of form, space, and line to convey complex emotional and philosophical ideas. His most famous works continue to be celebrated for their profound impact on the viewer. Scanavino's influence extends beyond his own creations, inspiring a new generation of artists to explore the depths of human experience through abstract art. His contributions to modern art remain significant, ensuring his place as a pivotal figure in the history of contemporary art.
Selena Mattei
