Franco Ule: Retrospective of a Rebel Painter in Trieste

A retrospective exhibition of Franco Ule (Trieste, 1959–2018) opens on May 12, 2026, at AD FORMANDUM in Trieste, featuring about fifteen historical works. Ule was a rebellious artist who left art school after clashing with teachers who demanded straight lines while he pursued gestural, material painting. His first public exhibition was at age 14 in the early 1970s at Palazzo Vivante, Trieste. His first major solo show was in 1977 at Centro La Cappella, Trieste, where he painted a 20-meter wall overnight with grotesque figures. In 1981, Juliet Editrice published his artist catalog "Rapid Eye Movement," designed by Oreste Zevola. That same year, he created 100 drawings as gifts for subscribers to Juliet magazine. In 1997, Juliet brought him to Arte Fiera in the "BRAP-RITRATTI" project, exhibiting alongside Sergio Cascavilla, Enrico T. De Paris, and Antonio Sofianopulo. His first Milan exhibition, "Tea Time," was organized by Valerio Dehò and Maria Rosa Pividori at Galleria Dieci.Due! in 2001. Boris Brollo had already presented him in 1996 at Spazio Crossing in Portogruaro. Ule's work is characterized by an aggressive, expressive sign-making, akin to Enzo Cucchi's concept of "the sign that marks." The exhibition at AD FORMANDUM runs until March 2, 2027, and will be presented by Roberto Vidali, director of Juliet magazine.