Toni Benetton Biography
Toni Benetton, born in Treviso, Italy, in 1910 and died in 1996, is universally recognized as one of the greatest sculptors of the contemporary period. His artistic authority stands out above all in the field of macrosculptures.
In 1938, Benetton enrolled in the sculpture course at the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice, under the guidance of Arturo Martini. During this formative period, the Master experimented with different materials, including terracotta, bronze and plaster, but his preference was for iron.
In the 1960s, the artist came into contact with important figures of literature and poetry, such as Giovanni Comisso, Andrea Zanzotto, Bepi Mazzotti and Carlo Scarpa, establishing intense relationships with them. In this period, Benetton created imposing figures, especially animals, and experimented with his first environmental exhibition, exhibiting the works outdoors in the Salomon Garden in Solighetto, Treviso. This initiative represents one of the first examples of an outdoor sculpture exhibition park in Italy. In 1964, Benetton represented Italy at the World Art Congress in New York, achieving great international recognition.
In 1967, the well-known sculptor founded the International Iron Academy, which attracts artists from all over the world. In the 1970s, Benetton created a series of works entitled Semoventi, while in the 1980s he conceived the architectural projects of the Townscapes, macrostructures intended to be inserted into vast urban complexes. Two of these works were exhibited at the XLII Venice Art Biennale, while the Townscapes projects were presented in the form of a solo exhibition at the XII International Architecture Exhibition of the Venice Biennale.
