Adalberto Marengo

Adalberto Marengo was born in Varzo, Piedmont, and showed a marked talent for drawing from an early age. He studied at the Accademia Albertina di Belle Arti and became a pupil of the Milanese sculptor Leone Lodi. He worked as a primary school teacher, but was fortunate enough to retire at just 40, which allowed him to devote himself entirely to art. An engraver, painter and sculptor, he produced etchings and sculptures in wood and stone. His realist painting is characterised by expressive elements, pronounced contrasts and intense colours. His subjects range from Italian and North African landscapes to still lifes and portraits, and also include religious themes. He often painted en plein air, inspired by his travels, and liked to work to the accompaniment of classical or jazz music, favouring warm and vibrant tones. In 1991 he founded the Biennale di Grafica e Arti in Castelleone (Cr), which reached ten editions over the course of twenty years and contributed to the promotion of fine art printmaking in Italy. The following year, Giorgio Mondadori published a monographic catalogue of his work. He took part in numerous exhibitions, earning prestigious awards and distinctions. He exhibited frequently at the Galleria Ponterosso in Milan and was director of a personal gallery in Crema. He passed away in 2004, after a life wholly dedicated to art.