The more we learn about the details of Lino Tagliapietra’s work and life, the more we comprehend his great understanding of world culture. As a young man, Lino was exposed to the historical classical paintings and mosaics in the Venetian churches, works by Tintoretto and Titian. The contemporary museums, such as the Peggy Guggenheim, offered major works of Cubism, Futurism, Metaphysical painting, European abstraction, avant-garde sculpture, Surrealism, and American Abstract Expressionism, by some of the greatest artists of the 20th century. Lino has witnessed and was part of the international art exhibitions, practically from his front door, at the Venice Biennale. We see an attention to the painterly or graphic qualities in his work. His flat panels certainly lend themselves to that association. However, in looking at the graphics, and the continual exploration of color combinations, shape, pattern, line, and space within the blown forms, one can see the influence of his early, and recent, discoveries.

In this publication, we have attempted to focus on both the Maestro’s classic forms, such as the Dinosaur and Fenice, while also featuring the details within that form. We have many beautiful photos; however, the works presence, texture, the relationship between the inner and outer sides as well as the kinetic aspect will have to be seen in person to be appreciated. We hope you can attend this exhibition.

We would like to express how very honored we are to represent this great artist, who has had a major role in re-defining the glass medium as an art form.

Jim Schantz and Kim Saul

Schantz Galleries, July, 2019