RAM – metaphysical reality

The Matteucci Foundation for Modern Art hosts the rich exhibition by Ruggero Alfredo Michahelles, alias RAM.

Descendent of a North American family that moved to Florence in the mid-19th century, RAM demonstrated a talent for art in all its forms from an early age.

With his brother Thayaht, he staged the scenography of Aida, awarded in 1924.

Painter, sculptor, poster designer, scenographer, illustrator – over the course of his career he absorbed a number of influences, taking inspiration from futurism, fashion and industry. Influenced by French movements, he explored the play of light and quest for beauty, reaching a pictorial turning point around the 1930s that led to a “neo-metaphysical” exhibition, where colour and plasticity become the most important features of the composition, and anecdotal and facial definition lose importance.

The paintings on show largely correspond with those exhibited at the Le Niveau gallery in 1936, and feature all the themes and structural lines dear to the artist, including amongst others Island without shadows in juxtaposition with Island of the dead, Bride and Groom and Mannequins.

The exhibition, curated by Susanna Ragionieri, is open from 28 March to 2 June.