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of art by this artist.
Giulio D'Anna Biography
Giulio d'Anna, born in 1908 in Villarosa, Enna, was a pioneering Italian painter who became a prominent figure in the Futurism movement, particularly known for his unique contribution to the aeropittura branch of the movement. His life and work were a testament to the dynamic interplay between art and the rapidly changing society of early 20th-century Italy.
D'Anna's early life was marked by the loss of his father, Giuseppe, which led him to move with his older brother Giacomo, first to Palermo and later to Messina. In Palermo, he worked in the Trimarchi Library, and it was here that he had his first encounters with Futurism. By the age of eighteen, he was self-taught in artistic techniques and deeply influenced by the movement. His move to Messina was a turning point, where he worked in the Principato Brothers Library and was directed towards Futurist pictorial techniques, especially in the field of aeropainting, by Fortunato Depero.
The cultural environment of Messina, particularly the presence of the first generation of Sicilian Futurists like Vittorio Corona, Pippo Rizzo, and Antonino Varvaro, played a significant role in shaping D'Anna's artistic vision. His first solo show in 1931 at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele III caught the attention of Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, the founder of Futurism, who expressed his admiration for D'Anna's work and encouraged him to participate in major national Futurist exhibitions.
D'Anna's aeropittura style was a form of Futurism that emerged after World War I, characterized by its focus on flight, speed, and the dynamism of airplanes. This style was not only an artistic choice but also an autobiographical element for D'Anna, reflecting his aspirations and imaginative journeys. His paintings often featured bold colors and striated surfaces to capture the kinetic energy of modern planes, earning him Marinetti's praise for capturing the 'essence of the machine.'
Despite his artistic success, D'Anna did not abandon his family's bookshop in Messina, which became a cultural hub for the city. He continued to engage with the local community and maintained his passion for painting. His work was recognized at prestigious events such as the 19th Venice Biennale in 1934 and the second Rome Quadrennial the following year, where he won the first prize among young artists at the Colonial Art Exhibition in Paris.
D'Anna's innovative use of collage, incorporating everyday cuttings from newspapers like “Giornale di Sicilia” and “L’Ora,” was a distinctive feature of his work. These elements, woven into his paintings, highlighted the frenetic pace of contemporary life and the media's influence on public perception. His approach to collage was influenced by the Cubist technique of papiers collés, but D'Anna's use of this method was deeply personal, reflecting his background as a bookseller and his love for music.
Throughout his career, D'Anna's works were exhibited in key galleries and museums, and his paintings found their way into international museums and reputable auction houses. His pieces, such as "Idrovolante," have fetched significant prices at auctions, reflecting the enduring interest in his contribution to the Futurist movement.
Giulio d'Anna's legacy is not only in his paintings but also in his role as a cultural figure in Messina. His bookshop served as a meeting place for intellectuals, poets, writers, and artists, fostering a vibrant artistic community. D'Anna's life was a blend of artistry and entrepreneurship, and his work continues to be celebrated for its innovation and its reflection of the spirit of Futurism.
D'Anna passed away in 1978, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be studied and appreciated for its artistic merit and historical significance. His journey as an artist during the key years from 1927 to 1935, and his personal interpretation of Aeropittura, remain a testament to his individuality and creativity within the Futurist movement.
Giulio D'Anna Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
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