Description
“Paessagio” created by prolific Italian multi-disciplinary artist, Mario Padovan. The Op Art image is signed and dated 1967 and features an intriguing pointilist style that straddles Lichtenstein and Seurat. Padovan’s technique of painted/printed dots is so unique, that perhaps it is unfair to compare him to either of those artists. “Paesaggio” means “landscape” in Italian. Here we see a sort of Constructivist rendition of a landscape executed within an Op Art visual canon. During the 1960s Padovan transitioned from figurative and abstract, to Pop-art and Op-art. During this period the artist reaches full expressive maturity and is featured in several solo exhibitions in Italy, the United States, and Iran. Padovan devoted himself to experimentation in Op art, from the late 1960s and 1970s. “Paesaggio” was created in this period.
The painting is a prime example of Padovan’s signature technique of using a screen stencil and spray paint to create his deconstructed images. “Paesaggio” depicts what appears to be a volcano along a horizon with molten lava beneath and a cloud above. The cloud could be ash from an recent eruption or a friendly cumulus. The painting is entirely intriguing for its content, composition, and construction. The artist used nitro paint (a form of sprayable paint) on canvas. The black frame is believed to be original. The artist’s signature appears on front. Flip the the painting to see the title and date inscribed in pencil. Truly a remarkable find! Padovan’s career spanned over 70 years with expression in many fields of two dimensional and three dimensional work. The artist’s work has been featured in countless exhibitions including the 1984, 41st Venice Biennale.
