Luigi Pericle retrospective at MASI Lugano
From April 18 to September 5, 2021, the MASI Lugano hosts 'Luigi Pericle. Ad astra,' marking the first Swiss retrospective of the artist Luigi Pericle (1916–2001). Curators Carole Haensler and Laura Pomari, with assistance from the Archivio Luigi Pericle and Museo Villa dei Cedri di Bellinzona, organized the exhibition, which is divided into five sections that explore Pericle's life and artistic journey. His works, characterized by lyrical abstraction and informal art, reflect the influence of Jean Dubuffet and Henri Michaux, among others. Born in Basel, Pericle began his artistic career at the age of twelve as a cartoonist named Giovannetti, transitioning to abstract art in 1959 before withdrawing to pursue meditation and esoteric studies. His art is included in numerous museum collections.
Key facts
- Exhibition runs from April 18 to September 5, 2021 at MASI Lugano
- First Swiss retrospective of Luigi Pericle
- Curated by Carole Haensler and Laura Pomari
- Supported by Archivio Luigi Pericle and Museo Villa dei Cedri di Bellinzona
- Five sections covering life and career
- Influences from École de Paris and informal art
- Pericle also worked as cartoonist Giovannetti, created Max la Marmotta
- Destroyed early figurative works in 1959 except a 1939 still life
Entities
Artists
- Luigi Pericle
- Jean Dubuffet
- Henri Michaux
- Hans Hartung
- Pierre Soulages
- Maria Helena Vieira da Silva
- Julius Bissier
- Giovannetti
- Carole Haensler
- Laura Pomari
- Serge Poliakoff
- Jean Fautrier
Institutions
- MASI Lugano
- Archivio Luigi Pericle
- Museo Villa dei Cedri di Bellinzona
- Arthur Tooth & Sons Gallery
- Galleria Castelnuovo
- York Art Gallery
- Washington Post
- Herald Tribune
- Punch
- Museo Villa dei Cedri
Locations
- Lugano
- Switzerland
- Basel
- Ascona
- London
- Newcastle
- Hull
- Bristol
- Cardiff
- Leicester
- Bellinzona