February 22, 2010

Fortunato Depero: Bolted Book

Fortunato Depero: Bolted Book
Fortunato Depero was the main motive force behind the second wave of Futurism, wich began to gather momentum around 1915-1916. In 1915 he co-authored , with Balla, a Manifesto titled: " Recostruction of the Universe", wich set forth theoretical premises for a revival of Futurism. Now the vitalistic Futurist philosophy was to encopass every field, not only of art but of everyday life as well. With this aim in mind, Depero developed into a true modern Renaissance man, devoting himself to painting, design, sculpture, graphic art, illustration, interior design, stage design, ceramics and writing. As early as 1927, at age 35, he publihed "Depero Futurista", a review of his oeuvre, including literature, from 1913 to 1927.Since the cover and pages were not conventionally bound but held together with bolts, the volume became known as a :" libro bullonato", or bolted book. Published by Dinamo-Azari in MIlan, it is considered the first book-object ever.