Dadamaino

Dadamaino (1930-2004) was the pseudonym of Italian visual artist Eduarda Emilia Maino. She was a prominent figure in the European avant-garde art scene, particularly known for her contributions to the Zero movement and kinetic art.

Dadamaino's artistic practice spanned various media, including painting, sculpture, and installations. Her work often explored themes of perception, light, space, and the relationship between the artwork and the viewer. She is particularly recognized for her use of transparent materials, such as Plexiglas, and her explorations of optical effects and movement.

Key periods and series in Dadamaino's career include:

• Volumi (Volumes): Early works exploring geometric abstraction and spatial relationships.

• Oggetto Ottico-Dinamico (Optical-Dynamic Object): Works focusing on kinetic art and the perception of movement through optical illusion.

• Dattilo-scrittura (Dactilo-writing): A series of works consisting of rows of seemingly random letters and symbols, often hand-stamped onto surfaces. These works challenge notions of language and communication, exploring the potential for meaning beyond traditional semantic structures.

• Alfabeto della Mente (Alphabet of the Mind): Continuing her exploration of language, these works feature arrangements of letters and symbols meant to stimulate thought and reflection.

Dadamaino's work has been exhibited internationally, and she is considered an important figure in post-war Italian art. Her artistic legacy lies in her innovative use of materials and her exploration of perception and meaning through abstract forms.