Italian art critic Alberto Boatto dies at 87
Alberto Boatto, an influential Italian art historian and critic, passed away at the age of 87 in Rome. Esteemed for his expertise in early 20th-century avant-garde movements such as Surrealism and Dada, Boatto anticipated modern artistic trends, including New Dada and Pop art. He was instrumental in founding various art publications, particularly Cartabianca and Senzamargine during the late 1960s. His extensive bibliography includes significant works like "Pop art" and "Di tutti i colori." Boatto also played a critical role in mentoring emerging artists, particularly those affiliated with the Gruppo di Via Ausoni in Rome.
Key facts
- Alberto Boatto died in Rome at age 87.
- He was a scholar of early 20th-century avant-gardes including Surrealism and Dada.
- He anticipated trends such as New Dada, Conceptual art, and Pop art.
- He founded and directed Cartabianca, Senzamargine (1968–1969), and La città di Riga (late 1970s).
- His book Pop art was first published in 1967 and reissued by Laterza in 2015.
- Other notable works include Cerimoniale di messa a morte interrotta (1977), Lo sguardo dal di fuori (1977), Della ghigliottina considerata una macchina celibe (1988), and Di tutti i colori (2008).
- He mentored the Gruppo di Via Ausoni in Rome.
- He wrote about Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup cans, emphasizing the visibility of everyday objects.
Entities
Artists
- Alberto Boatto
- Andy Warhol
- Henri Matisse
- Alighiero Boetti
Institutions
- Artribune
- Laterza
- Gruppo di Via Ausoni
Locations
- Rome
- Italy