Lucio Fontana (1899-1968) Argentinian

Lucio Fontana was an Italian painter and sculptor who was born in 1899. By the time he turned twenty, he was regarded as one of the most innovative sculptors in the world. He collaborated with avant-garde architects and explored new forms of sculpting by using different, and often unusual, materials. 

Many may ask what is Fontana know for and the answer to this is for being the founder of Spatialism. Spatialism focused on the spatial qualities of paintings and sculpture in an attempt to break down the traditional two-dimensionality of paintings. His “empty” paintings became a symbol of the Spatialism movement and served to reinforce Fontana’s quote: Art can be a concept, and art is about the capacity to decline this concept. Fontana is best known for his Concetti Spaziale (Concept Spatial) which were monochrome canvases that he would slash or puncture. The large gashes and holes in the canvas lent a sort of violent energy to the works. He experimented with different techniques, such as lining the reverse of his paintings with black gauze and encrusting his paintings with colored glass. 

In 1946, Fontana would formulate his theories on art and his ideas for a new medium that incorporated painting, sculpture, and architecture in the “White Manifesto.” In the publication, Fontana said, “I do not want to make a painting; I want to open up space, create a new dimension, tie in the cosmos, as it endlessly expands beyond the confining plane of the picture.”

From the time Lucio Fontana’s “White Manifesto” was published until shortly before his death in 1968, Fontana continued to produce works of art that employed innovative techniques and forms which explored and pushed the boundaries of Spatialism. He also collaborated with many of the most important architects of his time to create impressive ceilings and other designs. 

Fontana’s valuable piece Spatial Concept, The End of God, which he painted in 1964, holds the record for Fontana’s artist prices after being offered for sale at auction in 2015; the hammer price was a value of $.29,173,000.

One of Fontana’s last major recognitions came in 1966, just two years before his death, when he was awarded the Grand Prize for painting at the Venice Biennale. Fontana’s art and works can be seen at London’s Tate Gallery, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., Madrid’s Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, and the Kunstmuseum in Basel, to name a few. Fontana and the movement he founded have had a major impact on subsequent generations of artists. 

The works of Lucio Fontana are very valuable. The Bailly Gallery is pleased to offer Lucio Fontana art for sale. For those wishing to add an original Fontana painting or sculpture to their collection, the gallery will gladly arrange appointments for private viewings, as well as welcome interested collectors to the gallery to view the works available. We are available by email or phone to arrange an appointment to discuss adding to your collection