Elogio del Bello – Ugo Nespolo

From Saturday 21 April to Sunday 20 May, the Foundation Banca del Monte di Lucca, in the exhibition rooms of the building at number 7 in piazza San Martino (historical town centre), offers all art lovers the chance to admire “Elogio del Bello” (Beauty’s Eulogy) by Ugo Nespolo. 18 works on show (acrylics on wood, silk-screen prints and mixed techniques on paper), a selection of thirty years of artistic production.

Ugo Nespolo
Leader of the Italian Pop Art movement, versatile artist, cinematographer, designer, illustrator, and bibliophile, Ugo Nespolo is one of the undisputed masters of contemporary art. Born in Mosso (Biella), he graduated from the Albertina Academy of Fine Art in Turin. His debut on the Italian art scene dates back to the sixties. Although never tied exclusively to one theme, his work is easily recognisable by its accented mark of irony, transgression and a personal sense of amusement. He has exhibited extensively, always seeking to underline the relationship between art and play. Nespolo claims the need to “contaminate himself”, mix with people and adapt art to their needs, so as to make it a part of everyday life. Thanks to his unique and unmistakable style, Nespolo’s attention to design and constant practice of applied art has led him to venture into diverse fields. His cinematographic works are also created with the same spirit and creativity. In October last year he was elected as the President of the Museum of the Cinema of Turin.

Contemporary Art Workshops for children
Ugo Nespolo is also an illustrator for children’s books. For example, his “psychedelic” drawings of “Una zebra a pois” by Lelio Luttazzi (Gallucci Editore). The high quality of the images and numerous possible levels of interpretation, from the simple to the more complex, mean Nespolo’s illustrations can also be appreciated by the young. For this reason, every Thursday at 5pm, for the duration of the exhibition, there will be free workshops for children based on the works on show, with the chance to create pieces of art using an important playful approach to the fabulous world of art. Schools can participate in the special morning workshops, upon booking (tel. 0583.08.22.10, e-mail info@fondazionebmluccaeventi.it).