Eugenio Carmi was a pivotal figure in the Italian abstract art movement, whose career spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on the art world with his innovative approach to form, color, and materials. Born on February 17, 1920, in Genoa, Italy, Carmi's early life was shaped by the political turmoil of the era. In 1938, he was forced to move to Switzerland due to the racial laws imposed by the fascist regime of Benito Mussolini. It was in Switzerland that he completed his secondary education at an Italian boarding school and later graduated in Chemistry from the ETH Zürich. Despite his scientific background, Carmi's passion for art was undeniable. He began painting at the age of fifteen and, after returning to Italy post-World War II, he studied painting with Felice Casorati and sculpture with Guido Galletti in Turin. These formative years were crucial in developing his artistic vision, which initially embraced the informal style before transitioning to a more geometric rigor in the early 1950s. Carmi's works are known for their use of industrial materials, such as welded steel and iron, reflecting his deep engagement with the industrial landscape of post-war Italy. From 1956 to 1965, he served as the artistic consultant for Italsider, the Genoese steelworks, where he was instrumental in integrating contemporary art into the factory setting, thereby fostering a unique synergy between art and industry. This period was marked by his enamel paintings on steel, which began in 1958, and his collaboration with the Swiss photographer Kurt Blum to illustrate books that captured the essence of the steelworks. In 1963, Carmi founded the Galleria del Deposito with Flavio Costantini and Emanuele Luzzati, creating a cooperative of artists that became a hub for international artists and intellectuals. His engagement with the graphic arts was also significant, as he became a member of the Alliance Graphique Internationale and was recognized as an innovator in the field during the 1950s and 1960s. Carmi's friendship and collaboration with the renowned semiotician and author Umberto Eco resulted in the creation of three fairy tales, which were translated into multiple languages. This partnership exemplified the interdisciplinary nature of Carmi's work, which often intersected with literature, music, and other forms of cultural expression. Throughout his career, Carmi remained dedicated to painting, which he considered the sine qua non of his creative practice. His studio was a place of constant activity, where he balanced his time between painting and his various professional commitments. His works, characterized by their geometric forms and abstract compositions, have been exhibited in numerous solo exhibitions in Italy and abroad, and are part of collections in museums and institutions across Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, and the United States. Carmi's contributions to the art world extended beyond his own creations. He was a respected educator, teaching at the Academy of Fine Arts in Milan, the Accademia di Belle Arti in Macerata, and the Accademia di Belle Arti in Ravenna. He also held seminars on the visual arts at the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, United States. Eugenio Carmi's legacy is that of an 'image-maker,' a term he used to describe himself, reflecting his lifelong commitment to exploring the visual language and its potential to communicate and resonate with audiences. His works, whether on canvas, paper, or through sculptures and multiples, are a testament to his belief in the power of art to intervene in the world and engage with society at large. Carmi's artistic journey was one of evolution and adaptation, as he navigated through different phases of abstract art, from Art Informel to geometric abstraction, and beyond. His dedication to his craft and his innovative approach to materials and form have earned him a place among the leading exponents of Italian abstract art. Eugenio Carmi passed away on February 16, 2016, in Lugano, Switzerland, just one day shy of his 96th birthday. His life and works continue to inspire and influence artists and art enthusiasts around the world, ensuring that his vision and contributions to the art world will be remembered for generations to come.

Eugenio Carmi Quotes and Sales of Works

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