ENRICO BAJ

Enrico Baj was an Italian painter and sculptor. He was born in Milan on 31 October 1924, proving himself a multifaceted and influential artist from a young age. After his initial studies at the Liceo Ginnasio Giovanni Berchet, Baj undertook an academic path in Medicine at the University of Milan, before moving towards the Faculty of Law, completing his studies and becoming a lawyer. At the same time, his passion for art led him to attend the Brera Academy of Fine Arts. This unique educational path helped shape the Baj painter, an artist who would leave an indelible mark on the world of contemporary art.

From the beginning, Baj cultivated intense relationships with both Italian and foreign poets and writers, including André Breton, Marcel Duchamp, and Umberto Eco, collaborating with them through his illustrations. In 1951, Baj held his first solo exhibition at the Galleria San Fedele in Milan, exhibiting informal works and founding, together with Sergio Dangelo, the Nuclear Painting Movement. His works from this period are characterized by a bold and innovative approach, which challenges artistic conventions and explores new expressive frontiers.
In the following years, Baj continues to experiment and explore new artistic horizons. He stands out for his skill in collage and assemblage, using materials as disparate as wood, fabrics, and plumbing pipes. This phase of his career is marked by a growing interest in social issues and current affairs, as demonstrated by his work "Funeri dell'anarchico Pinelli" from 1972, in which he takes up grotesque themes and characters inspired by Guernica. social criticism and protest become key elements of his works, which reflect an increasingly marked civil commitment. Baj, with his art, does not limit himself to representing reality, but tries to eviscerate it down to its atomic dimensions, offering a completely personal and deeply critical interpretation.

Enrico Baj painter

Enrico Baj's works represent a journey through the changes and evolutions of the 20th century. From his first performances in Milan, through international exhibitions in Paris and New York, Baj established himself as one of the protagonists of the Italian avant-garde. His works, often characterized by the use of collage and different materials, are interpreted through a strong irony and a grotesque look, which becomes a symbol of his unique and distinctive style.
Among his most significant creations, we find the "Dame" and "Generali" series, in which Baj introduces political criticism through fantastic characters and paradoxical situations. These works, together with the "Military Parades" and the "Comizi", express a playful sense that leads to a sarcastic protest and a strong civil commitment. Emblematic in this sense are the great works of the Seventies such as "The Funerals of the Anarchist Pinelli", "Nixon Parade" and "The Apocalypse", which reflect a critical analysis of contemporaneity.
Baj's work continually evolves, exploring themes such as technological abuse and the "robotization" of the human being, as evident in his " mannequins " and " hydraulic works ". His criticism also extends to the world of fashion and the uncontrollable progress of technology, seen as degrading elements of contemporary art and culture.
Throughout his career, Baj participates in numerous international exhibitions, including prestigious events such as the Venice Biennale and exhibitions at the MoMA in New York. After his passing in 2003, his work continues to be celebrated and exhibited around the world, as demonstrated by the numerous retrospectives dedicated to him.
Enrico Baj, through his works, left a legacy of audacity, innovation and social criticism, contributing significantly to the history of 20th century art. His ability to blend art, literature and civil commitment has made his work not only a symbol of his time, but also a point of reference for future generations.