Segno Magazine Turns 50: Founders Reflect on Five Decades of Art Publishing
Segno, the Italian art magazine, marks its 50th anniversary this year, having been established in 1976 by Umberto Sala and Lucia Spadano in Pescara. Currently, their son Roberto Sala serves as the editorial director. Umberto reflects on the magazine's inception in 1975, which aimed to showcase exhibitions in both prominent cities and lesser-known regions. Early advocates included critics such as Antonio Bandera and Achille Bonito Oliva. The family oversaw both production and editorial tasks, supported by gallerists and over a hundred contributors, including notable figures like Giulio Carlo Argan and Angela Vettese. A celebration took place on November 20, 2024, at MAXXI in Rome. The Spanish edition website segno.es launched in December 2024, with its first print issue debuting at ARCO Madrid in March 2025.
Key facts
- Segno magazine was founded in 1976 by Umberto Sala and Lucia Spadano in Pescara, Italy.
- The magazine was inspired by the need to cover exhibitions in provincial areas often ignored by national press.
- Key early supporters included critics Antonio Bandera, Achille Bonito Oliva, Giuseppe Gatt, and Filiberto Menna.
- The Sala family handled graphic production, technical printing, and editorial work to keep costs low.
- Over a hundred young university students and scholars contributed essays and reviews to the magazine.
- Notable contributors include Giulio Carlo Argan, Palma Bucarelli, Maurizio Calvesi, Germano Celant, and Angela Vettese.
- A celebration event was held at MAXXI in Rome on November 20, 2024.
- The Spanish edition launched with website segno.es in December 2024 and first print issue at ARCO Madrid in March 2025.
Entities
Artists
- Amparo Sard
- Mario Pieroni
- Lucrezia De Domizio
Institutions
- Segno
- MAXXI
- ARCO Madrid
- Artribune
Locations
- Pescara
- Italy
- L'Aquila
- Abruzzo
- Rome
- Spain
- Madrid