Valentino Vago was an Italian contemporary painter, born in 1931 in Barlassina, a small town nestled between Como and Milan. His journey into the world of art began at a young age, following in his father's footsteps as a furniture maker. However, his path took a decisive turn when his elder sister enrolled him in the Liceo Artistico di Brera in 1947. It was here that Vago developed a profound love for color and painting, which would become the hallmark of his artistic career. After his initial education at the Liceo Artistico di Brera, Vago continued his studies at the prestigious Brera Academy, where he graduated in 1955. His time at the academy was formative, and he further honed his skills by taking courses under the Italian painter Achille Funi. That same year, Vago's talent was recognized, and he was invited to exhibit at the Seventh Quadrennial of Art. Vago's early works, such as "Paesaggio" (1956–1957) and "Composizione 59 verde" (1959), were characterized by their colorful, expressive, and abstract nature, featuring flat, linear, geometric shapes. These pieces laid the groundwork for what would become a prolific and influential career. In 1960, Vago held his first major solo show at Salone Annunciata in Milan, marking the beginning of his public recognition. Throughout the 1960s, Vago's art evolved as he became critical of the meaning within his work and sought a new direction. This period of introspection and experimentation led to the creation of his 'Orizzonti' (Horizons) paintings, which comprised horizontal bands of color on canvas. These works echoed the style of Mark Rothko, with the division between the bands acting as a portal to infinite depths beyond the canvas. Vago's quest for a new artistic language led him to explore the concept of the invisible and pure light, attempting to erase the visible world through his art. This pursuit resulted in his unique style, which often extended beyond the canvas, creating environmental works within both public and private buildings. His work in the mid-1960s for the Cassa Rurale e Artigiana di Barlassina's new bank branch is a testament to his ability to transform spaces with his art. By the 1980s, Vago had expanded his painting to include entire rooms, as seen in his invitation to paint a set of rooms in tonal scales at the Palazzo Reale in Milan. His first church painting, covering the vaults and ceiling of San Giulio in Barlassina with blue tonal variations, was completed in 1982. Over his career, Vago would create a total of 21 church paintings, culminating in his "Paradiso" (Paradise) for the ceiling of San Giovanni in Laterano, completed in 2016. Vago's contributions to art were recognized with numerous accolades. In 2012, he was named Premio Presidente della Repubblica by the Accademia di San Luca, and in 2014, he became an academician of San Luca. His works were included in the 2004 edition of the Vatican's theological publication "La verità vi farà liberi," making him the only contemporary artist featured among artworks from the V to XII century. Vago's art has been the subject of both solo and group exhibitions, with his work being showcased internationally. His exhibitions include "L'Infinitio: Valentino Vago. Figure e orizzonti" at Casa Museo Boschi Di Stefano in Milan and "Focus Valentino Vago: Sguardo sulle collezioni" at Museo Del Novecento. Valentino Vago's legacy is one of a relentless pursuit of the intangible through the medium of painting. His work, spanning over six decades, sought to transcend the visible and reach into the realm of pure light and color. His influence on contemporary Italian painting is indelible, and his works continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. Valentino Vago passed away in 2018, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to be celebrated and studied for its profound impact on the art world.

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