Gaetano Minale

**Gaetano Minale** (born 1938 in Agnone) is an Italian artist known for his landscapes full of light and color and depictions of nature. He graduated as an electrotechnical expert at the ITI industrial school in Chieti, Minale worked as an electrical company before moving on to His work, which spans multiple mediums including painting, graphic design and lithography, reflects his deep connection to the landscapes of his home region of Abruzzo. Minale has exhibited internationally and has received numerous awards, including the Italian Oscar for visual arts (1977 ) and the Rotary Award for painting (2021).

As noted by critic Nino Scalisi, Minale is described as having a "particular and singular Pathos" in his work.

## Early life and education

Born in Agnone, Molise, Minale exhibited a talent for drawing from a young age. He pursued his formal education in Agnone, attending both the professional training school and technical school, before enrolling at the industrial school (I.T.I.) in Chieti. In 1960, he graduated as an electrotechnical expert and soon began a career with Unes, an electricity company. In 1962, at the age of 24, he was assigned to Chieti, and in 1963, he transferred to Atessa, where he would work for 35 years at Enel, eventually becoming Agency Head.

Despite the demands of his electrical career, Minale remained committed to his artistic pursuits. In 1969, he began studying under master painter and restorer Gennaro Bravo in Atessa, where he trained for six years. His artistic practice, initially challenging due to his professional obligations, eventually flourished, leading to both group and solo exhibitions starting in the 1970s. By 1975, he had exhibited extensively and continues to contribute to the local art community.

## Career development and early recognition

Minale transitioned from engineering to art, beginning his artistic journey under the mentorship of the master painter and restorer Gennaro Bravo. From 1968 to 1975, he attended Bravo's atelier in Atessa, where he studied various painting techniques including oil, pastel, and acrylic. Although largely self-taught, this formal training shaped his approach to art.

By the 1970s, Minale’s work gained international attention. In 1977, he was awarded the Italian Oscar for Visual Arts, recognizing his achievements in painting.

In 1980, Gaetano Minale's painting **Destroy I Will Rebuild** was included in the catalog Tribute to the Holy Father by the Academics of "The 500" of the Arts. This volume was personally delivered to Pope John Paul II during an audience on April 27, 1981.

Minale's continued success in the art world was further solidified by his affiliations with prestigious academies such as the 'I 500' Academy and the Tiberina Academy of Rome. These affiliations played a significant role in his career development and his standing within the art community.

In October 2021, Minale was honored with the Rotary Award for "The color and expressive power of his painting of the last 50 years." This recognition highlights his continued impact on the art world, spanning over five decades.

## Artistic style and themes

In October 2011, Minale underwent a tracheotomy and total laryngectomy, resulting in a total loss of voice. This significant health challenge impacted his artistic and exhibition activities, leading to a transformation in his painting style. Since then, his new works reflect a profound shift in emotion towards nature and the joy of living, with light and color dominating his compositions. Women became the true protagonists of his paintings, depicted in symbiosis with nature, set against expansive landscapes filled with poppies and sunflowers.

## Exhibitions and achievements

Minale's art has been featured in numerous international exhibitions. Significant displays include his early show at Gelmi Art Gallery in Sesto San Giovanni (1975), and later exhibitions at venues such as the Royal Palace in Milan (1984). Chou-Ku Gallery in Tokyo (1985), and the Chamber of Commerce in Chieti (1990). His work has also been exhibited in Paris, Istanbul, Budapest, and London.

In December 1989, Minale exhibited his works at the Foyer International Centenaire de la Tour Eiffel in Paris as part of an international exhibition organized by the CEIC of Rome.

In December 1999, Minale's works were featured at the Ambassadors Gallery in London during the London 2000 Arts Festival, organized by S.E.A.

Minale has received several awards, including the 'Federico Faruffini' Award in 1976 and the Byzantine Grand Prix in Istanbul in 1996. In October 2021, he was awarded the Rotary Award for his painting work, recognizing "The color and expressive power of his painting of the last 50 years."

In a gesture to his local community, he donated 105 pieces to the city of Atessa, documenting the regional landscape over several decades.

On 16 May 2017, the city of Atessa paid tribute to Minale's career with the event "A Life for Art."

The Gaetano Minale Casa Museo Collection, located in Atessa, Chieti, is a museum dedicated to his life and works. The museum is housed in Minale's home and contains a collection of paintings, drawings, and personal items created during his artistic career. This museum offers visitors a deep connection to his creative legacy and the progression of his work over the years.

## Publications and catalogs

- Reasoned Guide to the Fine Arts Comanducci Yearbook (1977). Comanducci Editore, Milan. p. 25. Insertion of biographical information and quotation.

- The Protagonists of European Painting and Sculpture (1978). Pungolo Verde Publisher, Campobasso. p. 102-103. Profile of Gaetano Minale, including biographical profile and quotes from critics.

- Bolaffi National Catalog of Modern Art (1979). Giulio Bolaffi Publisher, Turin. p. 188. Quotes and reproduction of the work "Apennine Landscape."

- National Catalog Il Quadrato (1979). Il Quadrato Editrice, Milan. p. 321. Main biographical information listing and reproduction of the painting.

- Bolaffi National Grafica Catalog (1979/1980). Giulio Bolaffi Editore, Turin. p. 124. Price and news, publication of the lithographic work "Emigration."

- Great Dictionary of Contemporary Italian Artists (1979). Editorial Italia Academy of Arts, Parma. p. 229. Gaetano Minale drawer with critical text by Giuseppe Martucci, reproduction of the lithographic work "Strana Bestia L'Uomo."

- Catalog Tribute to the Holy Father (1980). The Academics of "I 500" of the Arts, Rome, Vatican City. p. 83. Reproduction of the painting "Destroy I Will Rebuild," personally delivered in the hearing of 4/27/1981 to S.S. John Paul II.

- General Catalog 3rd Art Biennial City of Spezia (1983). News and investigation, p. 25. Reproduction of graphic work "Ecological Theme" and news.

- The Golden Book of Contemporary Art (1984). Omega Arte, Rimini. p. 160. "A Conscious Poetic Choice" with critical text by Renato Lamperini.

- Masters of Color Art Events Organization (1987). Great Artists from 1947 to 1987, Fidenza, Parma. p. 160. Critical motivation by Diego Castronovo, publication of the work "Emigration."

- The Lives of the Most Illustrious Painters and Sculptors from Cimabue to the Present Days (1989). Institute of Contemporary Art of Milan. p. 280-281. Biography and critical text by Giuseppe Martucci, publication of 3 works: "Women Without Time," "Spring Time," and "Rustic Corner."

- Great Professors of Contemporary Art History (1989). Florence. p. 107. Critical text and reproduction of the work "Ulivo D'Abruzzo."

- Guide to the "World Famous Artists, Masters of the 20th Century" (1991). National Institute for Cultural Heritage, Viareggio. p. 156. Critical judgment by Giorgio Carpaneto, reproduction of the work "Ecological Theme."

- Encyclopedic Dictionary of Contemporary Art (1995/1996). Alba Publishing House, Ferrara. p. 339. Biographical information, critical text by Roberto Mangione, and reproduction of the work "Serenità."

- Painting Sculpture and Graphics in Italy: The Protagonists (1998). Ed. The Other Way to Fly, Castellammare di Stabia, Naples. p. 5. Abruzzo with Gaetano Minale, reproduction of the work "Wish to Live."

- Anthology Painters and Poets Artists of Italian Art (1997). CSA Ed., Pontina Art Academy "San Paolo," Latina. p. 88-89. Biography and critical judgment of Francesco Sofra, reproduction of "Opera Gente del Sud."

- Italian Art from the Twentieth Century to the Present Day (2000). Publishing L'Altro Way of Volare, Castellammare di Stabia, Naples. p. 202. Short biography, critical text by M.C. Morbiducci, and reproduction of the work "Suffering Nature."

- Anthology Painters Artists Italian Art (2000). Latina. Gaetano Minale selected artist, p. 174-175. Reproduction of the work "Paesaggio d'Abruzzo."

- L'Elite New (2009). Art International Selection, Varese. p. 447. Short biography, critical text by Giorgio Falossi, and reproduction of the work "Colori d'Autunno."

- Artistic Avanguardie (2010). Editrice Centro Diffusion Arte, Palermo. p. 244. Short biography, critical text by Giorgio Falossi, and reproduction of the work "Verso il Casolare."

- C.A.I. Italian Artistic Census (2010). Publishing Centro Diffusion Arte, Palermo. p. 201. Biographical information and reproduction of the work "Gente del Sud."

- L'Elite New (2012). Publishing Selezione Arte, Varese. p. 178. Biography, critical text by Teresa Piermattei, and reproduction of the work "Siesta tra i Girasoli."

- Boe' Special Art Exhibition in Tricular and Special Artist for UNICEF. Boe Publishing, Palermo. Reproduction of the work "I Will Defend My Piece of Land."

- Artist for Peace - All Colors for Human Rights Art Comes to Life (2014). UN - UNICEF - Editrice Arte 74, International Academy, Turano Brindisi, Italy. Reproduction of the work "La Carezza."

**Art Periodicals**

- Artecultura Splendor - Monthly of Artistic and Cultural Events (1976). Artecultura Publisher, Milan. p. 31. Biography, critical text by Carmine Cinalli, and reproduction of the work "La Mulattiera."

- Art Notes – Fortwelfly Information and Commentary Agency (1976). Rome. p. 19. Critical texts by Carmine Cinalli and Katia D'Annunzio. Reproduction of the work "Uliveto Nell'Atessano."

- Artecultura Monthly of Artistic and Cultural Events (1977). Artecultura Splendor Editor, Milan. p. 36. Critical text by Giuseppe Martucci, reproduction of the work "Casolare D'Abruzzo" and photos by Gaetano Minale with the editor Giuseppe Martucci and the gallery owner Gelmi.

- La Revue Moderne – des Arts et de la Vie (1977). Publisher Beltrand Sorlot, France. Bimonthly November-December 1977. p. 40. "A L'Etranger en Italie" Gaetano Minale with publication of the work "Vie Mourante" and critical commentary by Milet.

- Art Collection The New Artistic Foreground 9th Muestra Itrinerante Colectiva de Pintura en Espana (1977). ESA Studio d'Arte Edition, Piacenza. p. 4. Giro di Spagna Pictorico.

- The Voice of the Emigrant (1977). Monthly newsletter, Management and editorial staff of La Voce dell'Emigrante, Pratola Peligna, AQ. p. 2. Biography, critical note by Vito Calogero, and photo of the work "Those Who Remain."

- Praxis Artistica – Monthly Art Culture News (1979). Rimini. p. [Page number]. Critical text by the Editor of Praxis Artistica and reproduction of the work titled "Collection of Olives."

## Museum and art gallery

The Gaetano Minale Casa Museo Collection, located in Atessa, Chieti, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the life and works of Gaetano Minale. The museum houses an extensive collection of paintings, drawings, and personal items created throughout his artistic career. This permanent exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to explore Minale’s artistic journey and the evolution of his work, which reflects the cultural and natural beauty of the Abruzzo region. The museum also features special exhibits and educational programs aimed at celebrating the legacy of Minale's contributions to the art world.