Davide Uria - Lucio Fontana Explained to My Grandmother: Why Cuts Are Works of Art

Davide Uria Returns with a New Book: Lucio Fontana Explained to My Grandmother: Why Cuts Are Works of Art

Davide Uria's latest book, Lucio Fontana Explained to My Grandmother: Why Cuts Are Works of Art, aims to make contemporary art more accessible to an audience raised with a more traditional view of art. The title itself reflects the ironic and approachable tone with which the author tackles the subject, offering a fresh and less intimidating perspective on artworks that often puzzle viewers.

The idea for the book stems from Uria’s experience as a contemporary art history lecturer at the University of the Third Age in Trani. This role brought him face-to-face with individuals who struggle to grasp art that departs from figurative representation to embrace concept and idea. Through an imagined dialogue with a sewing grandmother, Uria explains the meaning behind Lucio Fontana’s iconic slashed canvases, flipping the common perception of them as damage and revealing their profound exploration of space and infinity.

The book also delves into the historical context of art, highlighting how every era has faced similar controversies around innovation. From Caravaggio to the Impressionists, art has always been a subject of debate and criticism. Today, in a society saturated with images and often superficial content, contemporary art mirrors the emptiness that surrounds us. Uria uses examples such as Yves Klein’s International Klein Blue and Robert Ryman’s white canvases to demonstrate how art has evolved into a conceptual language, prompting reflection on our times.

The narrative doesn’t stop with Fontana but spans various periods, drawing connections between artists like Piero Manzoni, Pontormo, and others. It shows how historical context, emotions, and personal circumstances have always influenced artistic creations. Uria's goal is not to establish hierarchies between contemporary and classical art but to encourage readers to view artworks as fields of research capable of conveying profound messages.

With a direct and witty style, Davide Uria offers a book that not only explains art but also takes readers on a journey, inspiring them to uncover the deeper meanings of works. Now available on Amazon, the book invites us to look beyond appearances and rediscover art as a tool for understanding reality.

Available now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.it/Lucio-Fontana-spiegato-mia-nonna/dp/B0DJNF587R