In Alberto Burri’s art, desperation and inspiration

Sebastian Smee | Boston Globe | 14th November 2015

Post-war US was brimming with optimism but Italy felt dispirited and diminished. Alberto Burri discovered art as a POW and began making paintings that were ”not so much paintings of ruins as ruins in themselves”. He influenced prominent American artists (especially Rauschenberg) but didn’t share their optimistic outlook. He remained in Italy and built a reputation making “art beyond illusion”.