Alberto Burri

Born in 1915, in Perugia, Italy; dies in 1995 in Nice, France.
He obtains his medical degree from the University of Perugia. In 1940, he is recalled for military service and sent to war. He is taken prisoner by the British army, and is transferred by the Americans to Hereford, Texas, where he begins to paint. He returns to Italy in 1946 and moves to Rome determined to become an artist. In 1951, he helps form the Gruppo Origine with Ballocco, Capogrossi and Colla. In 1952, he exhibits for the first time at Venice Biennale and creates Il Grande Sacco. The exhibitions in Chicago and New York in 1953 mark the beginning of his international success. In 1954, he starts to use fire to burn papers and plastics. Between 1961 and 1969 Burri creates the series of Burnt Plastics. In 1963, he exhibits at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. In 1965, he is awarded the Grand Prix at the Biennial of San Paolo. In light of his success, the National Gallery of Modern Art in Rome dedicates him a permanent room.