Roberto Aloi Biography
Roberto Aloi was born in Palermo on 31 August 1897. He made his debut in Ravenna in 1918 with his first solo exhibition, aided and encouraged by his friends Corrado Ricci, Santino Muratori and Diego Valeri. In 1920 he moved definitively to Milan and since then has taken an active part in the national artistic movement: since 1927 he has been part of the "Baguttiani", he is present at the Venice Biennials (1936,1938,1940,1950) at various Rome Quadrennials and at important foreign exhibitions. At the beginning of his artistic career his work can be placed between symbolism and liberty on the one hand and a futurist reference on the other. Among the few works that escaped the fire bombs of 14 February 1943, which practically destroyed half his life as an artist, there are some drawings that are influenced by Romolo Romani, so balanced between symbolism and futurism and by his friendship with the futurist Dudreville. Since 1958 he has also dedicated himself to sculpture with embossments of copper, silver and gold and his works can be found in many churches and public buildings. Since 1934 he has dealt with architecture and furniture from all over the world, publishing around forty volumes with the publisher Ulrico Hoepli in Milan. Immediately after the war (1949) he created the "Examples" series. The choice of material and layout reflect the aesthetic taste of the painter, above all trends, with the sole intention of making contemporary architecture known to the world. A versatile, shy artist, he worked constantly until the last day of his life. He died suddenly on 26 June 1981 in Berzo S.Fermo (Bergamo) in the garden of his home-studio where he spent a few months every year portraying the landscapes of the valley present in many of his paintings.
