Osvaldo Licini was an Italian painter whose work played a significant role in the development of abstract art in Italy. Born on March 22, 1894, in Monte Vidon Corrado, a small town in the Marche region, Licini's artistic journey began at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Bologna, where he studied from 1908 to 1914. It was here that he met Giorgio Morandi, who would become a lifelong friend and fellow artist, although their artistic paths would diverge significantly. Licini's early work was influenced by the landscapes of Cézanne and Matisse, and he briefly engaged with the Futurist movement, which was gaining momentum in Italy. His early exhibitions included works displayed at the Grand Hotel Baglioni in Bologna in 1914, showcasing his initial foray into the avant-garde. The outbreak of World War I interrupted Licini's artistic pursuits, as he was called to serve and was subsequently wounded. His convalescence in Paris from late 1915 allowed him to immerse himself in the city's vibrant art scene, where he befriended Amedeo Modigliani and was exposed to the works of artists such as Picasso. This period was crucial in shaping his artistic sensibilities and broadening his exposure to different styles and movements. Between 1917 and 1926, Licini split his time between Italy and Paris, moving in avant-garde circles and absorbing the cultural ferment of the time. His return to Italy in the mid-1920s marked a period where he established himself as a figurative painter, focusing on portraits and landscapes. However, the early 1930s brought about a dramatic shift in his work as he embraced geometric abstraction, influenced by his encounters with the Parisian Circle et Carré and Abstraction-Création groups. Licini's abstract work was characterized by a playful and poetic quality, reminiscent of Paul Klee's style. He was associated with Milan's Il Milione gallery and the international Abstraction Création group, which further solidified his place in the abstract art movement. Despite his association with 'Concrete' art, Licini's imagery was never austere; it was imbued with a sense of lyricism and sentiment. During World War II, Licini retreated to the isolation of his hometown, Monte Vidon Corrado, where he once again transformed his style. He began producing imaginative works populated by fantastical characters such as 'rebellious angels', 'flying Dutchmen', and an enigmatic moon-like presence named 'Amalassunta'. These figures introduced an ironic and mystical element to his work, reflecting his personal aesthetic outlook, which was progressive in the context of Italian fascism. Licini's contributions to the art world extended beyond painting. He was also a writer and poet, publishing several books of poetry and writing extensively on art. His writings provide valuable insights into his creative process and the philosophy behind his work. In 1946, Licini was elected Mayor of Monte Vidon Corrado, a role he served in for two terms. His political engagement was another facet of his multifaceted personality. In 1958, the year of his death, Licini was recognized as a modern master at the Venice Biennale, where he was awarded the Grand Prize for painting. This accolade came just months before his sudden passing on October 11, 1958. Licini's legacy is one of innovation and inspiration. His unique style and use of unconventional materials, such as sand and marble dust, set him apart from his contemporaries. His work continues to be highly sought after by collectors and serves as a source of inspiration for contemporary artists. In 1986, the town of Monte Vidon Corrado opened the Centro Studi Osvaldo Licini in his honor, ensuring that his contributions to the Italian art scene and the broader world of abstract art are not forgotten. Licini's work has been featured in numerous exhibitions, including retrospectives at the Estorick Collection and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. These exhibitions have showcased the various phases of his career, from his early figurative work to his later abstract and imaginative pieces. Through these shows, audiences have had the opportunity to experience the breadth and depth of Licini's artistic vision, which remains as compelling and relevant today as it was during his lifetime.

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