Upper Piazza 1947

Alberto Burri, an Italian artist born in 1915, created "Upper Piazza" using oil paint on canvas. Burri was deeply interested in the tactile qualities of materials, and here you can see how he’s built up the paint in thick layers, creating a rough, almost sculptural surface. The strokes aren't blended smoothly; instead, they retain their individuality, adding a sense of texture and depth to the composition. This isn't just about depicting a place; it's about the act of painting itself. The subject matter, an urban setting, is depicted using very commonplace materials. By elevating these materials through the artistic process, Burri challenges traditional hierarchies that separate 'high' art from the everyday. The considerable labor invested in building up these layers of paint, one stroke at a time, further underscores the value of the making process. Ultimately, "Upper Piazza" emphasizes the importance of material, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of an artwork.