Francesco Lo Savio retrospective opens in former Schifano studio in Rome
A new art gallery has opened in Rome, situated in the former studio of Mario Schifano at Piazza Campitelli, thanks to gallerist Sergio Casoli and collector Mattia De Luca. The opening exhibition is dedicated to Francesco Lo Savio (1935–1963) and features an array of works on paper, sketches, curvilinear metals, rare canvases from the Spazio-Luce series, and two Articolazioni Totali from 1962. This showcase exemplifies Lo Savio's careful design philosophy; he was the curator of the 1962–83 volume Spazio-luce alla memoria di Piet Mondrian. His first significant exhibition took place in 1962 at Galleria La Salita, attended by a small group of friends. The display also honors his associates, including Emilio Villa and Tano Festa, concluding with Villa's poignant phrase, 'Disperato amico mio.'
Key facts
- The exhibition is held in Mario Schifano's former studio at Piazza Campitelli, Rome.
- The space was revived by gallerist Sergio Casoli and collector Mattia De Luca.
- The inaugural show is dedicated to Francesco Lo Savio (1935–1963).
- Works include sketches, Maison au soleil projects, curvilinear metals, Spazio-Luce canvases, and two Articolazioni Totali (1962).
- Lo Savio curated the 1962–83 volume Spazio-luce alla memoria di Piet Mondrian.
- In 1962, Lo Savio exhibited at Galleria La Salita with few attendees except Argan and Bucarelli.
- Lo Savio felt he arrived 'too early' or in the wrong space.
- Emilio Villa wrote 'Disperato amico mio' as final words for Lo Savio.
- Giuseppe Uncini described their shared minimalist ethos of 'azzeramento'.
- Lo Savio died at age 28.
Entities
Artists
- Francesco Lo Savio
- Mario Schifano
- Emilio Villa
- Tano Festa
- Giuseppe Uncini
- Piet Mondrian
- Paola Pitagora
- Giulio Carlo Argan
- Palma Bucarelli
- Gian Tomaso Liverani
- Piero Manzoni
- Franco Angeli
Institutions
- Galleria La Salita
- Galleria Selecta
- Galleria Appia Antica
- MACRO
- IUAV
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Marseille
- France
- Piazza Campitelli
- Appia Antica
- Piazza del Popolo