Alfredo Volpi

Alfredo Volpi stood as a prominent figure in the Brazilian modernist movement, leaving an indelible mark on the artistic and cultural landscape through his paintings.

Biography of Alfredo Volpi

Alfredo Volpi was born in 1896 in Lucca, Italy. However, when he was a child, his family moved to São Paulo, Brazil. 

He began his formal studies at the Escola Profissional Masculina do Brás. In 1911, Volpi began painting, and by 1925, he had his first exhibition.

The 1930s marked a period of artistic exploration and collaboration for Volpi, as he became associated with the Grupo Santa Helena and forged close friendships with fellow artists such as Ernesto de Fiori and Rossi Osir.

Volpi's involvement in the formation of the Sindicato dos Artistas Plásticos of São Paulo and his subsequent membership in the FAP – Família Artística Paulista further underscored his commitment to the artistic community.

His debut solo exhibition occurred in São Paulo at Galeria Itá in 1944. Starting from the 1950s, his compositions gradually shifted towards abstraction.

Volpi's artistic prowess was recognized on a national and international level, earning him prestigious accolades throughout his career. From winning the IPHAN contest in 1940 to receiving the Guggenheim Prize in 1958, Volpi's contributions to the world of art were celebrated far and wide. Notably, his recognition as the Best National Painter at the 2nd São Paulo International Biennial in 1953 solidified his status as a master of his craft.

The artist died in 1988.