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Roberto Crippa Biography
Roberto Crippa was an influential Italian artist, born on May 7, 1921, in Monza. His early passion for flight led him to enlist in the Italian Air Force, where he served as a fighter pilot during World War II. This experience with aviation would later have a profound impact on his artistic work.
After the war, Crippa pursued his interest in art by enrolling at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera in Milan, where he was a student of Aldo Carpi, Achille Funi, and Carlo Carrà. He graduated in 1947 and began his painting career in a figurative style with cubist influences. By 1948, Crippa had already made a name for himself, participating in the Venice Biennale and exhibiting works at the Triennale di Milano.
Crippa's early work was characterized by a geometric and abstract style. He was particularly known for his series of paintings called "Spirali" (Spirals), which featured quasi-circular geometric gestures that created involuted spaces on the canvas. These spirals seemed to project rays beyond the two-dimensional surface of the painting, aligning with the principles of Spatialism, a movement he would soon join.
In 1948, Crippa became associated with the Spatialist movement, founded by Lucio Fontana, who had laid down its principles in his "Manifesto Blanco" in 1946. Crippa was one of the signatories of the third "Manifesto dello Spazialismo" (Proposal for a Regulation) in 1950. The movement sought to transcend the traditional confines of the canvas, exploring the concept of space in art. Crippa, along with other artists like Fontana, believed that the canvas could have a third dimension, a mental rather than a physical space, left to the viewer's imagination or inner feeling.
Throughout the 1950s, Crippa continued to exhibit his work, participating in several editions of the Venice Biennale and other collective exhibitions. His international reputation grew, and he eventually reached New York, where he met and exhibited alongside surrealists like Max Ernst, Victor Brauner, and Yves Tanguy.
Crippa's work evolved over the years, and he experimented with various styles and materials. He created totems, sugheri (cork paintings), landscapes, and amiantiti (asbestos paintings), always seeking new ways to express his vision. His approach to art was characterized by a relentless pursuit of innovation and a deep commitment to craftsmanship.
Tragically, Crippa's life was cut short on March 19, 1972, during a preparation flight for the World Aerobatic Championships. His plane crashed near the Bresso airport, claiming his life and that of his student, Piero Crespi. Crippa's untimely death was a significant loss to the Italian art world, but his legacy lives on through his influential body of work.
Crippa's contributions to the Spatialist movement and his unique artistic language have cemented his place in the history of 20th-century art. His works are held in numerous public and private collections and continue to be exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide. Crippa's exploration of space, movement, and form has inspired generations of artists, and his spirals remain a testament to his innovative spirit and his quest to push the boundaries of traditional painting.
Roberto Crippa Quotes and
Sales of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
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