Emilio Vedova: A Historical Survey

Emilio Vedova: A Historical Survey

Book

In 2020, Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac presented the first historical survey of Emilio Vedova’s work in France. One of the most influential Italian artists of the post-war period, Vedova is renowned for his expressive and gestural abstract paintings and his political engagement. Restlessly inventive throughout his career, he designed stage sets and costumes for opera, immersive light collages, monotypes, large-scale glass engravings and multi-panelled painted sculptures made of wood and metal. The exhibition featured representative works from his most acclaimed series spanning the years 1950 to 1985.

“My works are not creations but earthquake… not paintings, but breaths of air…” 

Our design takes inspiration in Vedova’s energetic, multi-disciplinary and activist practice. Alongside the work, the publication features writings, drawings, manuscripts, correspondences, models and images of performances. We chose a bold and geometric typeface that is equally gestural and free in its expression. The large captions are placed in a dynamic, non-precious manner. The cover uses two materials and a three-quarter binding suggesting the collage techniques favoured by the artist.

Contributors: Fabrizio Gazzarri
2020