Crucifixion

1946

The White Manifesto in Buenos Aires

Fontana makes public the White Manifesto: matter, colour and sound in motion, developing simultaneously, make up the new art; he did not sign the text but actively contributed to it, and here he began to formulate the theories he was to expand as Spatialism in five manifestos from 1947 to 1952.

1946

Founds the Altamira academy

In Buenos Aires Fontana founds the Altamira academy together with some of his students.

1947

Backs the first manifesto of Spatialism

Upon his return from Argentina Fontana supports, along with writers and philosophers, the first manifesto of Spatialism (Spazialismo); five such manifestos will appear by 1952.

1947

Returns to Italy from Argentina

Fontana returns to Italy in 1947 (by other accounts, in 1948); his Milan studio and works have been completely destroyed in the Allied bombings, but he soon resumes his ceramics work in Albisola, and in Milan he collaborates with noted architects to decorate several new buildings that are part of the postwar reconstruction of the city.

1949

The first “Spatial Environment” at the Galleria del Naviglio

At the Galleria del Naviglio in Milan Fontana shows his first “Ambiente spaziale a luce nera” (“Spatial environment”), a temporary installation consisting of a giant amoeba-like shape suspended in the void of a darkened room and lit by neon light.