Emilio Vedova. Questa è pittura
Forte di Bard, Aosta
november 30, 2024 - june 2, 2025
The raw energy of the painting of Emilio Vedova (Venice, 1919–2006) takes centre stage in This is painting, an exhibition running from 30 November 2024 to 2 June 2025 at Fort Bard in Valle d’Aosta. Organized by Forte di Bard in partnership with 24 Ore Cultura and the Emilio and Annabianca Vedova Foundation and curated by Gabriella Belli, the exhibition showcases Vedova’s vibrant artistic vision, steering away from detailed historical or socio-political analysis to focus instead on the sheer brilliance of his painting. Known for his explosive use of colour and vigorous brushstrokes, Vedova remains one of the leading figures of European Informalism.
A bold, rebellious and free-spirited artist, Emilio Vedova was one of the most influential figures in 20th century avant-garde art. His works reflect his strong civic engagement, to the extent that it’s hard to separate Vedova the artist from Vedova the activist. His immense talent is matched by his profound engagement with the events of his time, actively participating in history as it unfolded through his paintings. The line between his civic militancy and his brilliance as a painter is almost impossible to define.
The exhibition features 31 large-scale paintings and 22 works on paper, mostly on loan from the Emilio and Annabianca Vedova Foundation, with a further 10 additional pieces from renowned collections such as the Museo Novecento in Florence, the Guggenheim in Venice, MART- Museo di arte moderna e contemporanea di Trento e Rovereto, as well as private collections.
Set in the Cannoniere rooms, the exhibition is arranged thematically rather than chronologically, focusing on key moments in Vedova’s artistic journey. During these periods — setting aside the artist’s strong civic engagement and his well-known voice of protest against past tragedies and current episodes of crime and corruption — he seemed to immerse himself fully in the pure act of painting. The result is an extraordinary testament to the raw creative energy that left an indelible mark on post-World War II European art.
