Valentina Exhibition at Bassano del Grappa Explores Crepax's Iconic Character

The exhibition 'Valentina – Una vita con Crepax' at the Musei Civici di Bassano del Grappa, running until April 15, showcases the evolution of the iconic black-bobbed character created by Guido Crepax (1933-2003). Curated by the Archivio Crepax, the show features 48 selected comic strips, original illustrations, reproductions, and memorabilia, including Crepax's childhood diary and a handmade board game from the 1950s. The display is organized chronologically, from Crepax's early experiments to international success, differing from past thematic exhibitions in Rome and Milan. Antonio Crepax, the artist's son and archive custodian, explains that the archive, formally established six years ago, holds thousands of works, though many originals were lost due to industry practices until the 1970s. The exhibition includes a tribute to Stan Lee, referencing Crepax's 1975 story 'Valentina nel Metrò' featuring the Fantastic Four. Valentina, created in 1965, is noted as a rare female comic protagonist independent of a male lead, embodying independence and sensuality. The show also highlights the interplay between Crepax's life and his character, such as Valentina's pregnancy mirroring that of Crepax's wife. The installation spans two floors, with a ground-floor path marking eight career milestones and an upper floor dedicated to videos and colorized pages.