Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Aligi Sassu Biography
Aligi Sassu, born in Milan on July 17, 1912, was a pivotal figure in the Italian art scene of the 20th century, whose work spanned painting, sculpture, and graphic arts. His artistic journey, deeply intertwined with the socio-political upheavals of his time, reflects a vibrant engagement with the avant-garde movements and a profound commitment to social and political themes.
Sassu's early life was marked by the influence of his father, Antonio Sassu, a founder of the Italian Socialist Party in Sassari, Sardinia. This political backdrop played a significant role in shaping Aligi's artistic and ideological outlook. The family's move back to Sardinia during Sassu's childhood exposed him to the vivid landscapes and colors that would later permeate his work. However, it was their return to Milan that catalyzed Sassu's artistic ambitions. Enrolling at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts, he immersed himself in the city's avant-garde circles, befriending notable figures such as the designer Bruno Munari.
Sassu's early engagement with Futurism, marked by his collaboration with Munari on the "Manifesto della Pittura," laid the groundwork for his lifelong exploration of movement and color. His participation in the 1928 Venice Biennale at a young age underscored his burgeoning reputation within the Italian art scene. Throughout the 1930s, Sassu's work evolved, drawing inspiration from the likes of Diego Velázquez and Eugène Delacroix, while also delving into themes of social unrest and conflict, as seen in his paintings inspired by the Spanish Civil War.
The outbreak of World War II and the subsequent political turmoil in Italy further deepened Sassu's engagement with social themes. His involvement with the anti-fascist movement Corrente di Vita highlighted his commitment to using art as a means of political expression. Post-war, Sassu's work took on new dimensions, exploring themes of rural life in Sardinia, the human figure, and later, the vibrant landscapes and cultural richness of Majorca, where he eventually settled.
Sassu's fascination with color, particularly red, became a hallmark of his style, infusing his paintings with a sense of vitality and intensity. His exploration of themes ranging from Mediterranean myths to the bullfighting tradition in Spain reflects a deep engagement with the cultural and social tapestry of his adopted home. The 1960s and 1970s saw Sassu expanding his artistic repertoire to include mural painting, mosaics, and stage design, further showcasing his versatility and creative ambition.
Notable among his later works are the frescoes for the Sant'Andrea Church in Pescara, the mural for the European Parliament in Brussels, and his series inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy. Sassu's contributions to art were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the nomination as Cavaliere della Gran Croce by the Italian president.
Sassu's legacy is preserved through the Aligi Sassu and Helenita Olivares Foundation in Lugano, which houses a significant collection of his works, and the museums dedicated to his art in Thiesi and Atessa. His death on July 17, 2000, in Pollença, marked the end of a prolific career that spanned nearly eight decades, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and captivate audiences with its vibrant colors, dynamic forms, and profound engagement with the human condition.
Throughout his life, Aligi Sassu remained a tireless innovator and a passionate observer of the world around him, using his art to explore the depths of human emotion and the complexities of social and political life. His work stands as a testament to the power of art to reflect, critique, and celebrate the world in all its diversity.
Aligi Sassu 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.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
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informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
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