Lucio Fontana's Early Years Explored in Rosario Exhibition

The Società Dante Alighieri of Rosario, Argentina, is presenting 'Lucio Fontana. Los Orígenes' from July 21, 2019, curated by Valentina Spata and Chiara Barbato. The exhibition features 60 drawings, some previously unseen, and early sculptures from the Museo Juan B. Castagnino, focusing on Fontana's formative years. The project was conceived by Alessandro Masi, Secretary General of the Società Dante Alighieri, after a bronze bust signed 'L. Fontana' was discovered in the society's Rosario headquarters, depicting president Edoardo Grimaldi. Fontana was born in Rosario in 1899 and lived in Argentina in three periods: 1899-1906, 1922-1927, and 1940-1947. His father Luigi, a sculptor trained at Brera, and grandfather Domiziano were artists. The exhibition highlights Fontana's early works, including the funerary monument 'El pueblo de Rosario a Juana Blanco' (1925-27) and his first glazed ceramic 'Ballerina di charleston'. It also includes illustrations for the magazine 'Italia'. The show coincides with the 83rd International Congress of the Società Dante Alighieri, held in Buenos Aires from July 18-20, 2019, for the first time outside Europe. The congress includes a 'Cult & Tech' forum organized by ICE, focusing on audiovisual, publishing, restoration, and smart cities.