Umberto Boccioni
07.08.2026 - 24.01.2027
LAC
Piazza Bernardino Luini 6,
6900 Lugano
MASI continues its series of exhibitions devoted to its collections and the art history of Ticino, with a focus on Umberto Boccioni (1882–1916).
The exhibition, which revolves around the pre-Futurist paintings donated to the city of Lugano by the heirs of Gabriele Chiattone – a patron and supporter of the artist during his Milan years – offers an intimate look at a very important stage in Boccioni’s artistic development. Also featuring paintings from his early Futurist period, the show conveys the intensity of the artist’s quest for a new painterly language capable of capturing modernity and the pace of contemporary life.
Curated by Cristina Sonderegger
Umberto Boccioni (Reggio Calabria 1882 – Verona 1916) was one of the founders and the leading theorist of the Futurist movement in painting and sculpture.
After training as a journalist and poster designer, his encounter with Giacomo Balla in 1903 proved decisive for his development as a painter.
His early research led him to adopt the Divisionist technique. His ambition, as he stated in 1907, to “paint the new, the fruit of our industrial age” was fulfilled three years later with his adhesion to Futurism, of which he became one of the key figures.
Alongside painting, from 1912 he also pioneered in sculpture the theories of simultaneity and the interpenetration of forms.
In July 1915 he enlisted in the Lombard Battalion of Volunteer Cyclists, where he rejoined several exponents of Futurism.
Boccioni died on 16 August 1916 from injuries sustained in an accidental fall from a horse.
With the support of
Cover image
Umberto Boccioni, Nudo di spalle (Controluce), 1909. Mart, Museo di arte moderna e contemporanea di Trento e Rovereto Collezione L.F.