Umberto Boccioni is the artist to whom the Magnani Rocca Foundation is dedicating a major exhibition in the province of Parma, inaugurated on September 9. A journey in three sections, which correspond to the crucial years and places of his training.
Umberto Boccioni before Futurism
Umberto Boccioni is known for being one of the great exponents of the Futurism movement, but the path that led him to this movement is less well known. He was a tormented and multifaceted artist. His activity and his education were marked in particular by three periods and three cities that had a notable influence on the evolution of his art. This is why the exhibition is entitled "Umberto Boccioni before Futurism". The exhibition therefore focuses on the works of the young Boccioni, in the period preceding the Futurist Manifesto of 1910. A crucial decade in which the artist experimented with very different techniques and styles, always keeping an eye on the stimuli of the nascent avant-gardes.
The itinerary of the exhibition
The aim of the Parma exhibition is to document the heterogeneous nature of Umberto Boccioni's production, the influence and the exchange with the cultural ferments and artists contemporary to him. It is divided into three sections that correspond to the three periods of Rome, Venice and Milan; the Rome section is curated by Francesco Parisi, the Venice section by Virginia Baradel, the Milan section by Niccolò d'Agati. The study of the diaries and correspondence kept by Boccioni has allowed us to bring new knowledge regarding his expressive research and his reflections on the subject. The comparison with works by artists such as Balla, Severini, Sironi and others further illuminates the elements that contributed to forming his personality.
Rome, the first stages
Rome is the first place that has had an important impact on Umberto Boccioni's activity. During his Roman period, the artist initially dedicated himself to advertising activity such as poster design, then he enrolled at the Academy of Fine Arts and met Giacomo Balla who introduced him to divisionist technique. The Roman section offers glimpses into both his advertising production and his early painting, as well as the extremely varied cultural stimuli of that period. Further focuses are on the world of engraving and the cultural ferments he encountered during his international travels.
Umberto Boccioni and Venice
The second section of the exhibition focuses on Umberto Boccioni's stay in Veneto, which took place between Padua and Venice. The works created by the artist during that period are exhibited here, as well as his written reflections on the Venetian painters he was able to meet and on what he saw exhibited at the Biennials. This allows us to delve deeper into the evolution of the artist's cultural and expressive research and his ideas regarding the cultural currents of the time. This section focuses on engravings, with some metal plates engraved by him which are presented for the first time.
The Milan Period
Milan represents a third important period for the formation of Umberto Boccioni. The Lombard capital is rich in artists who refer to divisionism and previous cultural currents, as well as artists who instead experiment with artistic tensions and innovative representative techniques. The section dedicated to Milan compares the works of Umberto Boccioni with those of artists of the time, trying to highlight how the artist attempted to rework and innovate the set of these ferments. Having then enlisted as a volunteer in the war, Boccioni died in Verona, where he had been assigned to the artillery regiment, in 1916.
Useful Information
The exhibition on Umberto Boccioni, set up in Mamiano di Traversetolo near Parma, is open until December 10, 2023, from Tuesday to Friday from 10.00:18.00 to 19.00:XNUMX. Saturday, Sunday and holidays until XNUMX:XNUMX. Upon reservation, it is also possible to visit with a specialized guide. The exhibition catalog also includes essays by the curators and other scientific contributions, which contribute to understanding and deepening the expressive and theoretical research of Umberto Boccioni.
The Magnani Rocca Foundation
La Foundation which organized the exhibition on Boccioni is one of the most active cultural institutions in Italy and is located in the so-called Villa dei Capolavori. Recognized as a legal person under private law, it deals with the dissemination of art and culture and is very famous for its permanent collection which houses works ranging from Gentile da Fabriano, Tiziano, Durer, to the Impressionists, De Chirico and Burri. The collection also includes sculpture sections. It also organizes temporary exhibitions, musical and literary activities. It is also possible to visit the villa, which houses antique furniture and furnishings, and the wonderful secular park of twelve hectares.
Events in the villa
In the past, the villa and the park have hosted illustrious guests, including artists, politicians and rulers. The restaurant and the café offer refined menus and local specialities and are also the ideal location for receptions, private parties and glamorous events. A further opportunity for a glimpse of autumn holiday.
