Paintings on display by artist Bevilacqua, titled "The Colors of the Mountain," portray visual interpretations of high-altitude landscapes, as described in the artist's statement, "At just 7 years old, I was standing at an elevation of 3000 meters."
In the heart of Turin, Italy, on February 28, 1939, Giovanni Bevilacqua was born. His life, marked by a deep connection with the mountains, would eventually lead him to be known as "the mountain painter."
Growing up, Giovanni's artistic inclinations were nurtured by his primary school teacher, Francesco Meda, who taught him the basics of technique. As he matured, his passion for painting solidified, and his preferred subjects would become scenes of peaks, alpine landscapes, and snow-covered valleys.
Giovanni's artistic journey was not a solitary one. His father-in-law, Michele Montanari, a renowned singer and painter, served as his mentor. However, Giovanni's style diverged from Montanari's, focusing instead on the majestic beauty of the mountains.
Giovanni's wife, Gianna, had two painter friends, Rita Chiesa and Vincenzo Nicoletti, who recognised his potential and helped him deepen his drawing and the thoughtful use of colours.
In 1959, at the age of 20, Giovanni joined Fiat. He started as a worker and later moved to the vehicle storage area. However, it was during a layoff in 1980 that he found the time to truly immerse himself in his art. During this period, he managed to create up to four paintings a day.
Giovanni's father, Angelo, was a great photography and theater enthusiast. He even made an easel for Giovanni by crossing a broom handle with a board. Angelo also loved taking pictures and developed them in a makeshift darkroom in the bathroom hallway.
Giovanni's dedication to the mountains was evident in his numerous expeditions. He has been to Rocciamelone nine times and Capanna Margherita three times, reaching over 4,600 meters at Punta Dufour. Unfortunately, due to health reasons, Giovanni can no longer climb high mountains.
Despite these challenges, Giovanni's love for the mountains continues to inspire his work. A personal exhibition of his work will be held from October 23 to November 8 at the Collegio San Giuseppe, offering the public a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of his mountain scenes.
In the absence of extensive online resources detailing Giovanni's artistic career or personal health issues, further exploration of specialized art databases, artist registries, or direct contact with galleries or institutions potentially connected to him may provide more information.
Angelo, Giovanni's father, was also a theater enthusiast and performed with Mario Soldati's company. It seems that the artistic inclinations in the Bevilacqua family run deep, with Giovanni following in the footsteps of his father and pursuing his unique vision of the majestic mountains.
Following the artistic footsteps of his father, Angelo, Giovanni Bevilacqua nurtured his passion for painting, focusing on the captivating beauty of home-and-garden scenes of the serene Italian mountains. As the public exhibition at Collegio San Giuseppe from October 23 to November 8 reveals, Giovanni's lifestyle is deeply rooted in his love for the mountains and his keen eye for artistic composition.
