Mario Nigro, born on June 28, 1917, in Pistoia, Italy, was a pivotal figure in the post-war Italian art scene, known for his contributions to abstract art. The youngest of four children, Nigro was born into an intellectually stimulating environment; his father was a mathematics teacher, and his mother was the daughter of a prominent figure. This background perhaps laid the groundwork for Nigro's later explorations in the abstract interplay between color, form, and mathematical concepts in his art. In 1929, at the age of 12, Nigro and his family moved to Livorno, a city that would become his lifelong home. His academic pursuits led him to the University of Pisa, where he graduated with degrees in chemistry and pharmacology in 1940 and 1947, respectively. Despite his scientific career, Nigro's passion for the arts was evident early on. He studied music and painting alongside his scientific education, demonstrating a multidisciplinary interest that would characterize his entire career. Nigro's artistic journey began in earnest in 1948 when he decided to focus more systematically on art. This decision marked the beginning of a prolific career that spanned several decades and saw Nigro becoming a significant figure in the abstract art movement in Italy and beyond. His early work, influenced by post-Cubism, soon evolved as he joined the Movimento d'Arte Concreta (MAC) in 1948, a group founded by Atanasio Soldati, Bruno Munari, Gianni Monnet, and Gillo Dorfles in Milan. The MAC was instrumental in promoting abstract art in Italy, advocating for an art form that eschewed representational imagery in favor of geometric abstraction and theoretical foundations. In 1949, Nigro moved to Milan, a hub for avant-garde art in Italy, where he held his first solo show at the Libreria Salto. This period marked a significant shift in his work towards abstract art, a field in which he would make substantial contributions throughout his career. Nigro's work from the late 1940s onwards is characterized by a rigorous exploration of color, form, and spatial relationships, often incorporating geometric patterns and a vibrant color palette that reflects his interest in the theoretical underpinnings of visual perception. Nigro's international reputation was cemented with his participation in the Salon des Réalités Nouvelles in Paris in 1951, and his involvement in the Venice Biennale in 1964 and 1968. The latter, in particular, was a milestone in his career, with an entire room dedicated to his work, showcasing his importance on the international art stage. Lucio Fontana, a prominent figure in the Italian art scene, played a crucial role in getting Nigro invited to the Venice Biennale, highlighting the respect and admiration Nigro garnered among his contemporaries. Throughout his career, Nigro produced a diverse body of work that included several series exploring different aspects of abstract art. His exploration of "total space" and the dynamic interplay between geometric forms and color remained a constant theme, reflecting his ongoing interest in the theoretical aspects of visual art. Nigro's work is characterized by a meticulous attention to composition and a deep understanding of the emotional and perceptual effects of color and form, making him a key figure in the development of abstract art in the 20th century. Mario Nigro passed away on August 11, 1992, in Livorno, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence and inspire artists and art enthusiasts. His work is celebrated for its innovative approach to abstract art, and his contributions to the Italian and international art scenes are recognized in numerous exhibitions, collections, and scholarly works dedicated to his life and art. Nigro's artistic journey, marked by a constant exploration of the boundaries of abstract art, remains a testament to his creativity, intellectual curiosity, and enduring impact on the world of art.

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