Exploring the universe of artists’ books
In the evocative setting of the Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense, an enlightening exhibition celebrates the centenary of the birth of Enrico Baj (1924-2003), an iconic painter and sculptor from Milan. Meticulously curated by Angela Sanna, Michele Tavola, and Marina Zetti, in collaboration with the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera and the Archivio Baj, the exhibition offers a profound immersion into the creative universe of this artist, exploring his unique relationship with artist books.
The event, positioned among the main initiatives dedicated to celebrating Baj’s legacy, presents a refined selection of twenty-six artist books, a fraction of the approximately fifty-six he produced throughout his career. The exhibited works, mainly from the Archivio Baj, are complemented by volumes housed in the Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense and the Biblioteca d’Arte Contemporanea “Guido Ballo” of the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera.
The exhibition constitutes a journey through the various phases of Baj’s production, starting from his early works of the 1950s, such as the celebrated “De Rerum Natura” of 1958, to his last masterpiece “Sull’acqua,” published in 2003. This exploration highlights Baj’s deep connection with literature, especially with poetry, which constantly inspired his creativity. The artist’s dialogue with great authors of the past, from Lucretius to Martial to Lewis Carroll, as well as his collaboration with international writers, poets, and critics like André Breton, Raymond Queneau, André Pieyre de Mandiargues, and many others, will emerge clearly.
Alongside these prominent figures, the exhibition also pays homage to notable Italian authors, including Edoardo Sanguineti, Alda Merini, Roberto Sanesi, Guido Ballo, and Giovanni Giudici.
The Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense, in its Sala Maria Teresa, will be the ideal setting for this extraordinary cultural event, taking place from May 3rd to July 6th, 2024. Admission is free and does not require reservation, offering everyone the opportunity to immerse themselves in the fascinating creative world of Enrico Baj.
In addition to the exhibition, workshops and guided tours are planned, aimed at both adult and young audiences, providing an interactive and engaging experience.
The event will be enriched by a series of meetings and conferences, designed to further explore the work and legacy of this extraordinary artist. For further information on scheduled events, please visit the official website of the exhibition.
The Enrico Baj exhibition represents a unique opportunity to delve into the artistic universe of one of the most important figures of the Milanese scene of the twentieth century, exploring his eclectic creative journey through the fascinating medium of artist books.
