Ferruccio Gard, Autuno Cinetico, 1980. Painting, Acrylic on Canva, 100cm x 100cm.
Ferruccio Gard, a luminary in Programmed and Kinetic Art, has carved an indelible mark on the international art scene since emerging as a pioneer in Italy in 1969. Born in December 1940, Gard's artistry transcends traditional boundaries, fusing vibrant color palettes with intricate geometric forms to create visually arresting compositions. His illustrious career spans participation in seven Venice Biennales and multiple Architecture Biennales, alongside notable exhibitions at esteemed institutions worldwide, including the Museum of Contemporary Art in Buenos Aires and the National Gallery of Modern Art in Rome. Noteworthy collaborations, such as with glass master Archimede Seguso, underscore Gard's innovative spirit and his enduring influence in neo-constructivist and kinetic art circles.
Artist Biography
Ferruccio Gard (b. December 1940, Italy) is a prominent figure in the realms of Programmed Art and Kinetic Art. Recognized as one of the pioneers of these movements in Italy since 1969, Gard is celebrated for his mastery of color and innovative exploration of geometric forms. His work seamlessly blends complex chromatic themes with precise compositional structures, earning him a distinguished place in contemporary art. Gard has had a prolific career, participating in seven Venice Biennales (1982, 1986, 1995, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2017) and two Architecture Biennales (2016, 2021). Additionally, he showcased his work at the 11th Rome Quadrennial in 1986. His influence extends globally, with exhibitions at esteemed institutions such as the Museum of Contemporary Art in Buenos Aires (MACBA) and the Latin American Contemporary Art Museum of La Plata (MACLA). The traveling exhibition "Perception and Illusion: Programmed Art and Italian Kinetics of the 1970s" (2013-2014), curated by Giovanni Granzotto and Micol Di Veroli, prominently featured his works.
In 2012, Gard was invited to the National Gallery of Modern Art (GNAM) in Rome for the largest European exhibition on programmed, kinetic, and optical art, curated by Giovanni Granzotto and Mariastella Margozzi. His participation in notable trend exhibitions includes the 2008 "Movement as a Message" at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Prague and various shows across Europe and South America. Gard's collaborations have been diverse and influential. In 1997, he partnered with renowned glass master Archimede Seguso to create Murano glass paintings-sculptures, exhibited from Venice to Panama City. His contributions to the group "Verification 8 + 1," from 1978 to 2008, highlight his longstanding commitment to neo-constructivist, programmed, and kinetic art.
An anthology curated by Gabriella Belli in 2015 at Ca' Pesaro, the International Gallery of Modern Art in Venice, positioned Gard's work alongside masterpieces by Klimt, Kandinsky, Chagall, and other icons, underscoring his significance in the art world. The art historian Enzo Di Martino described this exhibition as "a celebration." Gard's works are included in prestigious collections worldwide, including the Ca' Pesaro International Museum of Modern Art in Venice, the Satoru Sato Museum in Japan, and the Luigi Bailo Museum of the Twentieth Century in Treviso. His influence is further evidenced by the numerous academic theses dedicated to his art at Ca' Foscari University of Venice. Ferruccio Gard continues to inspire and lead within the art community, his creations permanently displayed in galleries across London, Porto Montenegro, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Monte Carlo, and Moscow. Celebrated by critics such as Giuseppe Marchiori, Pierre Restany, and Vittorio Sgarbi, Gard's legacy as a master of color and form remains enduring and influential.
Kinetic Art
Kinetic art is a genre that emphasizes movement, incorporating both real and perceived motion into its artistic effect. Emerging in the late 19th century with impressionists like Claude Monet and Edgar Degas, who sought to capture life's dynamism, the genre evolved significantly in the early 20th century with artists like Naum Gabo creating dynamic sculptures. By the 1950s, the term "Kinetic Art" began to circulate in Europe, denoting artworks powered by natural forces, motors, or viewer interaction. This art form, sometimes overlapping with optical art, gained prominence through exhibitions like "Le Mouvement" in Paris in 1955, featuring pioneers such as Marcel Duchamp, Alexander Calder, and Victor Vasarely. As technological advancements surged in the mid-20th century, kinetic artists increasingly integrated scientific innovations, leading to sophisticated creations like Nicolas Schöffer's Cybernetic Spatiodynamic Tower. Despite its peak in the 1960s, kinetic art's influence waned with the rise of Pop Art and Arte Povera, yet its legacy endures through its profound exploration of movement and viewer engagement.
Kinetic Transparencies-4 (2017) by Ferruccio Gard
Ferruccio Gard, Kinetic Transparencies-4, 2017. Sculpture, Acrylic on Plexiglass, 40cm x 50cm / 15.00 lb.
Ferruccio Gard's Kinetic Transparencies-4 (2017) exemplifies his mastery of Neo-Constructivist and Kinetic art, encapsulating decades of exploration into form, color, and visual perception. This sculpture, measuring 40cm x 50cm and crafted from acrylic on Plexiglass, embodies Gard's signature blend of geometric precision and vibrant chromatic interplay. Here, Gard deftly integrates his deep understanding of the psychology of visual perception with abstract-informal explorations, creating a piece that oscillates between structured formality and dynamic movement. 'Kinetic Transparencies-4' not only showcases Gard's technical prowess but also reflects his ongoing quest to harmonize light, space, and chromatic intensity. Exhibited globally from Beijing to New York, Gard's work continues to captivate audiences, housed in prestigious collections including the National Gallery of Modern Art in Prague and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Buenos Aires, affirming his stature as a pivotal figure in contemporary art.
Monstra Abstract Chromaticism (2018) by Ferruccio Gard
Ferruccio Gard, Monstra Abstract Chromaticism, 2018. Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 80cm x 80cm.
Displayed in 2018, Mostra Abstract Chromatism by Ferruccio Gard epitomizes his profound engagement with Neo-Constructivist, Programmed Art, and Optical Art movements since 1969. This acrylic on canvas painting showcases Gard's mastery of color dynamics and geometric abstraction, where he explores the interplay of form and chromatic intensity. Known for his innovative compositions and nuanced approach to visual perception, Gard adeptly navigates the complexities of black and white juxtaposed against a rich tonal scale. His meticulous study of light, space, and chromatism resonates throughout the canvas, inviting viewers into a realm where structured precision meets vibrant dynamism. Mostra Abstract Chromatism stands as a testament to Gard's enduring influence in contemporary art, having been featured in numerous prestigious exhibitions worldwide and finding a place in esteemed public and private collections across the globe.
The Dynamics of Color II (2014) by Ferruccio Gard
Ferruccio Gard, The Dynamics of Color II, 2014. Painting, Acrylic on Canvas, 112cm x 112cm.
The Dynamics of Color II (2014), a striking acrylic on canvas painting by Ferruccio Gard, exemplifies his profound exploration of Neo-Constructivist, Programmed Art, and Optical Art movements since 1969. Renowned for his mastery of color, Gard intricately combines formal and compositional elements, creating a visually captivating geometric composition. Here, Gard delves into the complexities of chromatic contrasts, deftly manipulating the tonal scale from stark black and white to vibrant hues. This artwork showcases his continued evolution in understanding visual perception and the interplay of light and space, evident in his meticulous approach to abstract form. The Dynamics of Color II underscores Gard's enduring influence, having been featured in numerous international exhibitions and esteemed collections worldwide, including the National Gallery of Modern Art in Prague and the Ca' Pesaro Museum of Modern Art in Venice.
Exhibition History
Ferruccio Gard's extensive exhibition history reflects his significant contributions to Neo-Constructivist, Programmed Art, and Optical Art movements since 1969. In 2014, his work was prominently featured at ArteFiera in Padua and Bergamo, Italy, as well as at the Satoru Sato Art Museum in Tome, Japan. The following year, Gard's exploration of Chromatism and Optical Art was showcased at the prestigious Cà Pesaro Galleria Internazionale d’Arte Moderna in Venice. Moving forward, Gard's solo exhibitions have been consistently celebrated internationally, including "Mezzo secolo di pittura" at the Dolomiti Art Fair in 2019 and "Invitación al color in optical: medio siglo de pintura" at the Museo Mercedes Sierra de Perez – El Chicó in Bogotá, Colombia. His career highlights include participation in major art events like the Venice Biennale and notable placements in esteemed collections such as the National Gallery of Modern Art in Prague and the Ca' Pesaro Museum of Modern Art in Venice. Gard's enduring influence in the art world is underscored by his meticulous exploration of color dynamics and geometric forms across diverse global platforms, reinforcing his status as a master of chromatic complexity and formal innovation.
In the realm of contemporary art, Ferruccio Gard's legacy resonates as a testament to the enduring power of color and form. His journey as a pioneer in Programmed and Kinetic Art, originating in Italy in 1969, has unfolded into a rich tapestry of vibrant canvases and sculptural explorations that transcend conventional boundaries. With a career spanning over five decades, Gard has not only participated in prestigious exhibitions like the Venice Biennale and Architecture Biennale but has also graced the walls of renowned institutions worldwide—from the Museum of Contemporary Art in Buenos Aires to the National Gallery of Modern Art in Rome. His collaborations, notably with glass master Archimede Seguso, underscore his innovative spirit and influence in the realms of neo-constructivist and kinetic art. Gard's ability to seamlessly blend intricate geometric forms with luminous color palettes continues to captivate audiences globally, solidifying his stature as a masterful creator whose artistic vision remains as vibrant and relevant today as it was at the outset of his illustrious career.
Selena Mattei
