October 6, 2017–June 23, 2018
Center for Italian Modern Art
421 Broome Street, 4th floor
New York, NY 10013
The Center for Italian Modern Art (CIMA) presents the first exhibition in the United States of the work of Alberto Savinio (1891–1952) in over two decades. Hailed by poet and critic Guillaume Apollinaire as the paragon of a Renaissance man, Savinio was not only an exceptional visual artist and member of the Parisian avant-garde, but also a gifted pianist, composer, musicologist, set designer, critic, and writer. Yet despite his achievements, Savinio, the younger brother of Giorgio de Chirico, is today virtually unknown outside of Italy.
On view October 6, 2017 to June 23, 2018, Alberto Savinio will feature 25 rarely seen works created by the artist after his move to Paris in 1926, when he put his other creative pursuits on hold in order to devote himself to painting. The exhibited works are characterized by Savinio’s vivid color palette, his fantastical interpretation of mythology and voyage, and his eccentric vision of landscape.
Continuing CIMA’s practice of introducing work by contemporary artists into its exhibitions, the installation will also include select sculptures and prints by French-American artist Louise Bourgeois (1911–2010). This juxtaposition will bring to the fore the two artists’ commonalities, including their flirtation with Surrealism, a shared interest in the subconscious, and, most significantly, the profound influence that familial relations had on their respective artistic imagery.
This new season at CIMA follows on exhibitions devoted to Fortunato Depero, Medardo Rosso, Giorgio Morandi, and Giorgio de Chirico with Giulio Paolini. Visit the website for more information and archived recordings of related programs.
Select upcoming public programs at CIMA
Thursday, October 5
Savinio’s granddaughters Francesca and Erica Antonini share reflections on the artist with CIMA Fellows Giulia Tulino and Elena Salza
Saturday, October 14, 10am–6pm
Open House New York with CIMA architect Irina Verona. Details at OHNY.
Thursday, October 26
Robert Storr in conversation with Lawrence Weschler on the art and life of Louise Bourgeois
Wednesday, November 1
The Bridge Book Award: Two prize-winning writers—one fiction, one non-fiction—discuss their works selected for Italian-English translation
Tueday, November 14
Italian critic Renato Barilli on Alberto Savinio and Giorgio de Chirico
All events begin at 6pm and require advance registration unless otherwise noted. Additional programs will investigate the multidisciplinary aspects of Savinio’s career through musical and theatrical performances and discussions with contemporary artists. Visit CIMA’s programs page to learn more.
About CIMA
The Center for Italian Modern Art (CIMA) is a non-profit exhibition and research center dedicated to promoting new scholarship and dialogue around 20th century Italian art. Through its annual exhibitions, art history fellowships, and rich calendar of public programming, CIMA situates Italian modern art in a broad historic and cultural context, illuminating its continuing relevance to contemporary culture.
Located in a bright, elegant loft in SoHo, CIMA is a retreat for one-of-a-kind experiences with Italian art. Every Friday and Saturday during the nine-month season, visitors are welcomed by CIMA’s resident scholars for distinctive visits through the exhibition aimed at inspiring unexpected insights and conversations. This extended exhibition run serves as an open-ended platform for the development of new scholarship by the fellows-in-residence—who come from near and far for six months in order to conduct and share their research—together with colleagues in museum and university communities, and with the wider public.
How to visit
CIMA is pleased to announce expanded hours for its 2017–18 season! In addition to our signature guided exhibition tours, offered on Fridays and Saturdays at 11am and 2pm, we now are holding open hours on both days from 1pm to 6pm. Complimentary espresso is served at the start of the guided visits at 11am and 2pm. Registration is required for both tours and open-hours. CIMA’s galleries are wheelchair accessible. To reserve, visit CIMA on Eventbrite.
