An event blending art and creativity: A decade of activity crowned by Calugi’s first solo exhibition and the unveiling of the 2025 “Lovers” calendar, created by the Tuscan artist.
The Il Vicolo Art Gallery is celebrating the tenth anniversary of its Milan branch with a special event featuring artist Jonathan Calugi, renowned for his minimalist style and international collaborations. The exhibition, titled “JAM“, will open on 17th October at 6:00 PM and will run until 16th November. It offers a chance to immerse oneself in Calugi’s creative universe, known for his ability to blend illustration and painting on paper and canvas.
Jonathan Calugi, a Tuscan illustrator and art director, has worked with some of the world’s most famous brands, such as Nike, Apple, Google, and Sony. He has already made a tangible mark on Milan with artistic interventions like the murals at Scalo Farini for Trenitalia. His works are characterised by the use of sinuous black lines that create fluid and harmonious images, often enriched with coloured geometric shapes. Among his most famous series are “Woman” and “Jazz”, where Calugi explores the abstraction of the female body and visually translates musical notes and rhythms, revealing a unique and recognisable artistic language.
The “JAM” exhibition not only provides an opportunity to discover new works by the artist but also represents a key moment of reflection on the ten years of success of the Il Vicolo gallery in Milan. Originally founded in Genoa in 1967 by Alf Gaudenzi and his wife Piera, the gallery has always had a strong connection with fine art graphics and works on paper. The opening of the Milan branch in 2014 allowed Il Vicolo to expand its artistic vision, continuing a long tradition of excellence and becoming a reference point in the contemporary cultural scene.
To crown the celebrations for the gallery’s tenth anniversary, the 2025 “Lovers” calendar, specially created by Jonathan Calugi for Il Vicolo’s Art Editions, will also be presented. The desk calendar will accompany art lovers month by month with colourful and playful illustrations that fully reflect Calugi’s distinctive style. This collectible item is not only a great gift idea but also a piece of art to display on any desk, whether at home or in the office, adding a touch of creativity to everyday life.
The calendar, now an icon of the gallery, reaffirms Il Vicolo’s desire to merge art with daily life, making art accessible to everyone. Every year, Il Vicolo’s Art Editions invite a different artist to create the illustrations for their exclusive calendar, and this year it is Jonathan Calugi’s turn, whose minimalist and playful style is perfectly suited to the initiative.
The history of the Il Vicolo Gallery is a testament to how art can thrive in even the most unexpected places. Founded in Genoa in 1967 in a narrow, elongated space, its name is inspired by the city’s “vicoli” (alleyways), and it has always been a reference point for lovers of graphic art. Over the years, the gallery has adapted and grown, opening new branches and welcoming a variety of artists and art movements. The Milan branch, opened in 2014 by the grandchildren of the founders Alf and Piera, continues this legacy, complementing contemporary art exhibitions with an art store offering limited editions and multiples created by the artists collaborating with the gallery.
The anniversary of the Milan branch is therefore an opportunity to celebrate not only the gallery’s past but also its future, as it continues to innovate and showcase talented artists, staying true to its mission of making art accessible and engaging.
Don’t miss the chance to visit the exhibition, a tribute to Il Vicolo’s decade of success in Milan and to Jonathan Calugi’s art, which has the ability to turn the everyday into creative expression.
