Antonio Ligabue's Oeuvre Reassessed in Pavia Exhibition
The Castello Visconteo in Pavia presents a major retrospective of Antonio Ligabue (Zurich, 1899 – Gualtieri, 1965), challenging his classification as a naïve artist. The exhibition aligns with the Art Brut definition from the Collection de l'Art Brut in Lausanne, emphasizing Ligabue's awareness of artistic contexts despite his marginal status. Structured in three phases, the show includes early works like 'Corrida' (1931-32) and 'Circo' (1941-42), where figures erupt disruptively. The middle phase stabilizes his poetic with baroque details and chromatic intensity. The final phase, marked by market pressures, shows unevenness but includes masterpieces. A section features drawings, sculptures, and lesser-known subjects (squirrel, Balthus-like cat, crucifixion). The exhibition closes with a gallery of self-portraits tracing Ligabue's existential anguish. Curated by Stefano Castelli, the show runs at the Castello Visconteo di Pavia.
Key facts
- Antonio Ligabue was born in Zurich in 1899 and died in Gualtieri in 1965.
- The exhibition is held at Castello Visconteo in Pavia.
- The show repositions Ligabue within Art Brut, not naïve art.
- The exhibition is structured in three phases of Ligabue's career.
- Early works include 'Corrida' (1931-32) and 'Circo' (1941-42).
- The final phase shows discontinuity due to market commissions.
- A section includes drawings, sculptures, and lesser-known subjects.
- The exhibition ends with a series of self-portraits.
Entities
Artists
- Antonio Ligabue
- Stefano Castelli
Institutions
- Castello Visconteo di Pavia
- Collection de l'Art Brut
- Artribune
Locations
- Zurich
- Switzerland
- Gualtieri
- Italy
- Pavia
- Lausanne