Giampaolo Abbondio Remembers Dario Fo as Neighbor and Inspiration
Giampaolo Abbondio, a gallerist, recalls his fifteen years as a neighbor of Dario Fo and Franca Rame in Milan. Fo was a prolific artist who, after being denied permission to use Picasso images by the Picasso Foundation for a book, created a series of cubist canvases signed "Falso Picasso." Abbondio suggested the title "ApocriFO" for a potential exhibition curated by Miltos Manetas, which Fo greatly appreciated. Abbondio's admiration for Fo began in 1978 when he watched "Mistero buffo" on Rai 2 as a child, recording it on cassette. Although a planned exhibition of Fo's drawings never materialized, Abbondio credits Fo's broadcasts with inspiring him to open a gallery.
Key facts
- Giampaolo Abbondio was Dario Fo's neighbor for fifteen years in Milan.
- Fo and his wife Franca Rame were frequent contacts; Fo was the poet, Rame the manager.
- Fo created a series of cubist canvases signed 'Falso Picasso' after being denied permission to use Picasso images by the Picasso Foundation.
- Miltos Manetas offered to curate an exhibition of these works.
- Abbondio suggested the title 'ApocriFO' for the exhibition.
- Abbondio first admired Fo in 1978 watching 'Mistero buffo' on Rai 2.
- A planned exhibition of Fo's drawings never happened.
- Abbondio credits Fo with inspiring him to open a gallery.
Entities
Artists
- Giampaolo Abbondio
- Dario Fo
- Franca Rame
- Pablo Picasso
- Miltos Manetas
Institutions
- Picasso Foundation
- Rai 2
- Artribune
Locations
- Milan
- Italy