Italo Valenti was an Italian painter and collagist, renowned for his abstract and non-objective art, as well as geometric and figural paintings. Born on April 29, 1912, in Milan, Italy, to a family of wealthy merchants, Valenti enjoyed a happy childhood, even in the absence of his parents. His early life set the stage for a prolific career in the arts, marked by innovation, collaboration, and a deep exploration of abstract expression. Valenti's formal education in art began at the prestigious Brera Academy in Milan, where he studied from 1932 to 1937. This period was crucial in shaping his artistic direction and philosophy. During his time at the academy, Valenti became actively involved in the Corrente movement, a group that sought to express the human condition through art, in opposition to the fascist regime's promotion of classical and traditional values. The movement included notable artists such as Cassinari, Birolli, Fontana, Santomaso, and others, with whom Valenti forged significant relationships. The early phase of Valenti's career was characterized by vibrant and exuberant paintings, drawing heavily on a childhood world of fable and enchantment. His works from this period featured marvelous fairy-tale gardens, fantastic animals, and other elements rendered in glowing, radiant colors. This thematic and stylistic choice was evident in his first one-man exhibition at the Galleria di Corrente in Milan in 1941, which received critical acclaim. However, Valenti's artistic journey took a significant turn following his move to Switzerland, near Locarno, in 1953. The change in environment and context led to a transformation in his art. His work became less exuberant and colorful, marking a shift towards abstraction. By the late 1950s, Valenti had developed an abstract, tachiste style, characterized by the use of cut and torn paper to create abstract collages. This evolution reflected his ongoing exploration of form, color, and composition, as well as his engagement with the broader trends in European abstract art. Valenti's move to Switzerland also facilitated friendships with other artists, including Julius Bissier and Ben Nicholson, who lived nearby. These relationships further enriched his artistic practice, providing new perspectives and collaborative opportunities. Despite the geographical shift, Valenti maintained a strong connection to his Italian roots, which continued to influence his work. Throughout his career, Valenti participated in numerous exhibitions and his works were collected by key galleries and museums, including the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. His legacy is marked by his contribution to the abstract and collagist movements, as well as his ability to evolve and adapt his style over the decades. Valenti's art is a testament to his lifelong commitment to exploring the possibilities of abstract expression. Through his innovative use of materials, color, and form, he created a body of work that continues to inspire and captivate audiences. Italo Valenti passed away in 1995, leaving behind a rich and diverse oeuvre that cements his place as a significant figure in the history of modern art. His journey from the vibrant, fantastical landscapes of his early career to the refined abstraction of his later works illustrates a profound exploration of the artistic potential and the enduring power of visual expression.

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