Lucio Fontana: Sculpture

This book is the first scholarly monograph in English dedicated to Lucio Fontana's sculptural production. It explores his exploration of sculpture from the 1920s until his death in 1968, highlighting continuity and evolution in his oeuvre. Edited by Luca Massimo Barbero and the Fondazione Lucio Fontana, it features rarely seen sculptural works exhibited at Hauser & Wirth New York in 2022–2023.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 20 December 2022
Publisher: Verlag der Buchhandlung Walther Konig

This comprehensive and meticulously researched monograph stands as the inaugural scholarly exploration in English dedicated to the sculptural output of the enigmatic artist Lucio Fontana. Spanning from the 1920s until his passing in 1968, this lavishly illustrated volume charts the artist's unwavering pursuit of sculpture, defying conventional categorization. By presenting a unified examination of bodies of work from various stages of his career, the book underscores Fontana's remarkable continuity and evolutionary development. Collaboratively edited by Luca Massimo Barbero in partnership with the Fondazione Lucio Fontana, this lavishly illustrated tome offers readers a unique opportunity to delve into the realm of Fontana's sculptural creations, many of which have been seldom exhibited. A testament to the artist's profound influence and artistic legacy, Lucio Fontana: Sculpture is a indispensable resource for scholars, art enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to understand the enigmatic and groundbreaking contributions of this visionary artist.

Introduction:
Lucio Fontana, an Italian artist renowned for his innovative and avant-garde approach to sculpture, left an indelible mark on the art world during the mid-20th century. His sculptural production, characterized by its exploration of form, space, and perception, has garnered significant attention and scholarly interest. This monograph, the first of its kind in English, aims to provide a comprehensive and in-depth examination of Fontana's sculptural journey, from his early experiments in the 1920s to his final works in the 1960s.
Chronology of Fontana's Sculptural Production:
The book begins by tracing the chronological development of Fontana's sculptural oeuvre. It explores his early experiments with abstract forms and his subsequent exploration of the human body and its relationship to space. Fontana's work evolved from the abstract to the figurative, and he incorporated elements of performance, light, and sound into his sculptures to create immersive and sensory experiences.
Exploration of Form and Space:
One of the defining characteristics of Fontana's sculptural production is his relentless pursuit of new forms and spatial relationships. He experimented with unconventional materials such as glass, metal, and plastic, and he challenged traditional notions of sculpture by creating works that were not fixed in one place but rather seemed to float or move in space. Fontana's sculptures often incorporated holes, cuts, and perforations, creating a sense of ambiguity and fragmentation that blurred the boundaries between the physical and the intangible.
The Human Body as a Subject:
The human body was a central theme in Fontana's sculptural production. He explored the body as a site of physical and psychological transformation, and he sought to challenge the traditional representation of the human form. Fontana's sculptures often depicted the human body in fragmented or deconstructed states, emphasizing the fluidity and mutability of the human experience.
Collaborations and Collaborators:
Fontana collaborated with a wide range of artists and intellectuals throughout his career. He worked closely with artists such as Piero Manzoni, Enrico Castellani, and Gino Severini, and he was also involved in interdisciplinary projects that combined sculpture with other art forms such as painting, performance, and cinema. These collaborations further enriched Fontana's sculptural production and contributed to his exploration of new artistic possibilities.
Legacy and Influence:
Fontana's sculptural production has had a profound influence on the art world. His innovative approach to form and space challenged traditional artistic conventions and paved the way for new artistic movements such as Pop Art and Minimalism. His sculptures continue to be exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide, and his legacy continues to inspire contemporary artists and thinkers.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Lucio Fontana: Sculpture is a groundbreaking and essential contribution to the study of contemporary art. It provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of Fontana's sculptural production, highlighting his exploration of form, space, and the human body. Through its rich illustrations and detailed analysis, the book offers readers a deeper understanding of Fontana's artistic vision and his enduring influence on the art world.

Weight: 1300g
Dimension: 269 x 448 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783906915708