Vrouwentorso at The Middelheim Museum, Atwerp

myminifactory

Alberto Viani, a renowned Italian sculptor, left an indelible mark on the art world during his lifetime. Born in 1906, Viani's artistic journey was deeply rooted in the teachings of Arturo Martini at the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice. As an assistant to Martini, Viani refined his skills and developed a distinct style characterized by highly stylized female busts. In 1944, Viani joined forces with Arturo Martini as his trusted assistant, and their artistic partnership flourished until Martini's untimely passing in 1947. Following Martini's death, Viani assumed the role of chair of sculpture at the Academy, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in Italian art. Viani was also an integral part of the group Fronte Nuovo delle Arti, which he co-founded alongside Renato Birolli in 1946. As a close friend and collaborator of Emilio Vedova and Sergio Bettini, Viani was naturally drawn to the Spatialism movement, although he chose not to formally join the group. One notable example of his work can be seen at the Olivetti store in Venice, where a striking bronze sculpture designed by Carlo Scarpa is displayed. Throughout his career, Alberto Viani explored various mediums, including plaster, stone, and bronze, creating works that boasted smooth, flowing forms. Many of his sculptures took inspiration from the human body, yet eschewed realism for a more abstract approach. A testament to his skill and influence, Viani's work was showcased at the inaugural Documenta in 1955 and again at Documenta 2 in 1959. In recognition of his contributions to Italian art, Alberto Viani received the prestigious Antonio Feltrinelli Prize in 1983. Today, his legacy lives on through the digital archive created by MyMiniFactory's Scan The World initiative, which aims to provide free access to fully 3D printable sculptures and artworks from around the globe.