Lucio Fontana originated the Spatialism movement, fundamentally altering the surface of the canvas through physical intervention. By systematically piercing and slashing monochromatic fields, he aimed to move beyond traditional two-dimensional constraints. His career, spanning multiple disciplines from sculpture to architectural design, reflected a persistent effort to integrate art with the concepts of space and light.
Early Training and Fascist Commissions
Born in Rosario in 1899, Fontana was the son of sculptor Luigi Fontana. He spent his early years moving between Argentina and Italy. After studying at the Brera Academy under Adolfo Wildt between 1928 and 1930, he became involved with the Fascist movement, joining the Fasci di Combattimento in 1920. His early sculptures, including the 1930 bust of Benito Mussolini and the 1933 piece Expectation, aligned with state propaganda themes. He contributed to the 1936 Milan Triennale and created a massive bas-relief for the Federazione dei Fasci Milanesi.
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Following a return to Argentina in 1940, Fontana co-founded the Altamira academy and participated in the White Manifesto, which advocated for the inclusion of motion and sound in art. This period laid the groundwork for Spazialismo. Upon returning to Italy in 1947, he authored manifestos defining his theory of spatial art. His 1949 exhibition at the Galleria del Naviglio featured an environment lit by neon, further distancing his work from static painting.
The Evolution of Cuts and Punctures
Beginning in 1949 with the Buchi series, Fontana punctured his canvases to explore the void. He evolved this technique in the mid-1950s with his Tagli, or slashes, often lining the rear of the canvas with black gauze to enhance depth. In 1959, he introduced the quanta series and his Nature sculptures. By 1961, his visits to New York prompted a shift toward metal works involving gouged copper, while his 1963-64 La Fine di Dio series utilized egg-shaped canvases to push the limits of his spatial concept.
Fast facts
- Born: 1899, Rosario
- Died: 1968, Comabbio
- Primary Movement: Spatialism
- Educated: Brera Academy
- Notable Series: Buchi, Tagli, Nature
- Citizenship: Italy and Argentina
Questions readers ask
What is the primary characteristic of Fontana’s spatial concept works?
These works typically involve monochrome surfaces that are physically punctured or slashed to highlight the space behind the canvas.
Did Fontana only work as a painter?
No, he was also a sculptor, ceramicist, watercolorist, jewelry designer, architectural drafter, and designer.
Achievements
- Movement: Movimento Spaziale and Movimento Arte Concreta
