ANTONIO CALDERARA (1903-1978)

What set the work of Antonio Calderara apart from Minimalism and Constructivism, despite a shared pictorial language of simple geometrical shapes and precise, pared-down compositions, was his preference of diaphanous pastel hues instead of the bold color blocks of Piet Mondrian or Josef Albers, who were important influences. Calderara's ethereal palette, of which the present set of three prints is a fine example, was perhaps influenced by the soft light of Lago d'Orta in Northern Italy, where he spent most of his life.
Still to be discovered by the US art scene, many solo exhibitions have been dedicated to the artist in Europe and Latin America, including the Kunstmuseum, Winterthur, Switzerland (2017); MASI, Lugano, Switzerland (2016); Pinakothek der Moderne, Munich, Germany (2003); Contemporary Art Museum of Genoa, Italy (1995); ICA, London, UK (1974); Kunstmuseum Düsseldorf, Germany (1973); Kunsthalle Bern, Switzerland (1969); Stedelijk Museum, Schiedam, Netherlands (1968); Kunstmuseum Lucerne, Switzerland and Museo d'Arte Moderna, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (1965). His work was included in the Venice Biennale as early as 1948, again in 1956, and in Documenta 4 in Kassel, Germany in 1968. Most recently his work has been included in the 33rd São Paolo Bienal, Brazil (2018). The artist's estate is represented by Lisson Gallery, London.