1921
On December 5, Antonio Alejandro was born to Rosario Nemesio, of Italy, and María Pura Terengo, who was born in Córdoba of Piamontese parents. He was the second of their three children. The family lived in the city of Córdoba, Argentina, where they ran a general store.
1930
He began attending the Santiago de las Carreras Primary School.
1935
In November he completed the sixth form of the Santiago de las Carreras Primary School.
1936
He entered the José Figueroa Alcorta Fine Arts Academy in Córdoba to study painting. His teachers there were the artists Carlos Camilloni (1882-1950), Francisco Vidal (1897-1980), José Aguilera (1901-1971), and Antonio Pedone (1899-1973).
1938
Together with Julián Lapeña and Luis Ansa he published a magazine for children, El Pibe. With its drawings, comic strips and specially created stories by the three fine arts students, the magazine’s third issue sold one hundred copies. The hand-layout and design and drawn letters were a first step towards Pezzino’s development in the graphic design area.
1939
Together with his friends he traveled in Córdoba and the Alta Gracia area to sketch and paint the hilly landscape.
1941
His family moved to Buenos Aires, and on completing the fourth year at the Córdoba Fine Arts Academy, he dropped his studies there to join the family.
1942
Pezzino did his military service with the 2nd Infantry Battalion of the Argentinian Army. His job was to survey maps and battle charts.
In September he met Jorge Brito who was handing out leaflets titled “Manifesto of Four Young Men”, signed by Tomás Maldonado, Claudio Girola, Alfredo Hlito and himself, who opposed the jury and the artists who had received awards from the Buenos Aires National Arts Salon.
1943
He was in the Argentinian Army until March, being awarded a certificate for very good conduct while under the flag.
From April, he worked for the publisher Falucho and also at the Simpson advertising agency in Buenos Aires.
1944
He traveled to Bolivia together with Luis Ansa. He spent approximately six months in Tiahuanaco.
With Ansa he exhibited his Bolivian paintings at the “Two Argentinian Painters” show in September, sponsored by the Argentinian Circle at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in La Paz.
Back in Buenos Aires, he came across Structure and Constructive Universalism in the library of the National Fine Arts Museum, the two books where he discovered Torres García’s philosophy of art, and he decided to travel to Montevideo to meet him.
1945
He left for Montevideo in the company of his friend Jorge Brito. He met the members of the Torres García Workshop (Taller Torres García: TTG) at the Tupí Nambá bar in whose upper floor they were opening their Salon of Rejects that day. There he saw the works which had not been accepted by the Montevideo National Salon. Pezzino was enthusiastic about their initiative so he went to Torres García with some of the paintings he had brought with him from Argentina, and began his studies under the master. He was with the TTG until 1957.
1947
He traveled to Paraná (Argentina) regularly to be with his family, and during these holidays he proposed to paint a mural for a bookshop (today presumed destroyed), based on a design he had shown Torres García.
1948
He took part in the “45th Exhibition of the TTG” which opened on July 28 at the Ateneo in Montevideo.
He shared a studio in the Pocitos neighborhood with Manuel Aguiar.
1949
On April 22 the “46th Exhibition of the TTG: Constructivist planist painting, paintings in 3 dimensions” opened at the Ateneo in Montevideo, and on October 11, the “49th Exhibition of the TTG: Tribute to the Master”, opened at the same venue.
1950
On July 28 the “52nd Exhibition of the TTG: Painting and constructive art”, opened at the Ateneo in Montevideo. On November 8 he took part in the “53rd Exhibition of the TTG: Painting and Constructive Art”, also at the Ateneo in Montevideo.
In December, the magazine Removedor printed a drawing and a constructive painting by Pezzino.
Gonzalo Fonseca, a friend of his, was leaving for Europe, so he arranged that Pezzino should live in his house in the Cerro neighborhood. Pezzino lived and worked in the house on 3166 Polonia St. for six years, until his friend returned to Uruguay.
1951
He took part in the “54th Exhibition of the TTG: Painting and Constructive Art”, at the Liga de Fomento in Punta del Este.
For the “55th Exhibition of the TTG Painters” held at the Universidad de Chile, in Santiago de Chile in August and September, he presented Still Life, Constructive and Figure. With José Gurvich, Francisco Matto, Horacio Torres, José Collell and Carlos María Martínez, he took part in the “56th Exhibition of
the TTG” on October 2 at Amigos del Arte.
1952
The publishing house Número published Nuevo sol partido by Humberto Megget, with illustrations and cover design by Pezzino.
On 30th June the C.U.F.E. Printing Department published the Torres García Notebook, a print-run of 400 copies with 30 constructive drawings, 12 in black and white and 18 in color, which included two by Pezzino.
He took part in the “58th Exhibition of the TTG” with a presentation prologue by Esther de Cáceres at the Ateneo in Montevideo in July and August. This show was held specifically to raise funds to create the Torres García Museum, so on July 29 the paintings, classified into two series, were put on sale at 50 or 100 pesos each. On October 18 the “60th Exhibition of the TTG” was held at the Teacher Training Institute in Durazno. Pezzino took part in this and in the “61st Exhibition of the TTG” presented at the Ateneo in Montevideo from October 17 and in the “63rd Exhibition of the TTG” at the San José Department Museum from October 25.
1953
He took part in the “63rd (re-issue) Exhibition of the TTG: Painting and Constructive Art”, at the Ateneo in Montevideo, from July 28.
Together with his friends Aguiar and Gurvich he joined the Arts and Literature Group, where, to raise funds to travel and study abroad, they sold sweepstakes tickets with an apartment as first prize. The group also included writers such as Berto Fontana, Carlos Brandy, Graciela Saralegui, Nefer Kroeger and Jorge de Arteaga, among others.
He took part in the “66th Exhibition of the TTG” held at the Ateneo in Montevideo from October 20.
Together with Aguiar, Gurvich and Esther Rela, he presented oil paintings and ceramic works at the “67th Exhibition/Sale to Fund Travel and Studies in Europe”, held at the Ateneo in Montevideo on October 20.
Thanks to his friendship with Arteaga, who had founded the printing house Imprenta AS, Pezzino became one of the illustrators for the Cine Club programs together with José Gurvich and other members of the TTG.
1954
He traveled to Europe with Gurvich and Aguiar. He visited museums in Spain, Italy and France, where he studied, drew and painted from the works of the great masters.
In July the Prado Museum in Madrid granted him permission to make study copies of works in its collections. He was especially interested in Goya.
In September he went to Paris with Gurvich. There they met Gonzalo Fonseca and rented an apartment near his studio where Pezzino worked in ceramics. In November he was authorized by the University of Paris-Sorbonne to register for their 1954-55 courses.
1955
Together with Emín Fernández and Alceu Ribeiro he took part in the “94th Exhibition of the TTG” which opened on December 1 at the Ateneo in Montevideo.
He became acquainted with Gurdjieff’s thinking and joined a group to read and reflect on his ideas.
1956
He took part in the “99th Exhibition of the TTG” at the National Fine Arts Commission Salon from June 11–24.
He designed the cover and illustrated the book La herida del molusco, by Rafael Romano, published by Meridiano.
On July 28 the “100th Exhibition of the TTG” opened at the Subte Municipal, Montevideo.
1957
He wrote a letter to the TTG Secretary stating his decision to terminate his relationship with the group in order to pursue his career individually; however, the letter was never presented formally.
Fonseca returned to Montevideo and Pezzino gave up the house in Cerro where he had lived and worked since December 1950.
Between June and July he traveled to the Andean Plateau, journeying through Bolivia and Peru. He entered La Quiaca by land and returned via Chile, crossing the Mendoza pass.
He designed the cover for the collection of poems Nuevo Cielo by Octavio Larriera, published by Agón.
In September he began working as an illustrator for the Montevideo weekly Marcha.
1958
He designed the covers for the collections of poems La pena desnuda by Julio Moncada and Costado Triste by Luis Alberto Varela, published by Agón. He also illustrated and designed the cover for Garcilaso de la Vega. Vida y obra comentada. Antología, published by the author, Norma Suiffet.
1959
He designed and illustrated the Bulletin mensual d’Information de l’Association des élèves de l’Alliance Française.
In August he joined the team working for the printer Imprenta AS as an illustrator. On the team were Ayax Barnes, Nicolás “Cholo” Loureiro, Carlos Pieri and Hermenegildo Sábat.
On November 27 he married Leticia Barrán Nadal, also a member of the TTG. Manolita Torres was a witness at the registry ceremony in Montevideo. The couple traveled to Córdoba.
He was a founding member of Subud Montevideo, having joined the movement in Buenos Aires.
1960
In April he took part in the “1st Non-figurative Art Movement Salon” held in the Subte Municipal, Montevideo.
On May 5 was the opening of the “International Poster Exhibition Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the May Revolution”, organized by the Committee for Culture.
1961
His first son Juan Lucas was born on April 24.
1962
He designed the cover of Poemas manuscritos por sus autores, n.º 12.
1963
Between November 5–18 he exhibited twenty-two works comprising drawings, oil paintings, and watercolors, at the “Pezzino” show organized by Enrique Gómez at the Columbia Palace Hotel, Montevideo.
1964
He was chosen to take part in the Tribute to Artigas competition, organized by the Arts and Literature Centre of the daily El País, Montevideo.
His daughter Martha was born on January 8.
1965
From July 8–26, his exhibition “Antonio Pezzino. Oils, watercolors, ink, crayons”, took place at the Uruguayan Cultural Promotion Centre, Montevideo, curated by Enrique Gómez.
On August 1 he began working as layout designer for the daily El País.
On August 28 his third child, Josefina, was born.
He took part in the “3rd Punta del Este National Arts Fair”.
1967
From August 14–26 his work was part of the collective exhibition “Current Uruguayan Art” organized by the Ronald Lambert Gallery in Buenos Aires.
He was part of the “18 Draftsmen” show at the Bank of London and South America main branch from November 16 to December 7.
1968
His fourth and last child Javier was born on January 31.
1975
His solo exhibition “Antonio Pezzino. Oils, tempera, pastels, drawings” ran from September 29 to October 13 at Losada Arts and Literature, Montevideo.
He designed the postage stamp “Cosmic Christmas” printed by the National Printers.
1976
He designed the postage stamp “Christmas” printed by the National Printers.
1977
His solo exhibition “Antonio Pezzino 1977” was on at the Bruzzone Gallery Art Club from September 26–30.
He held a solo exhibition at Bécasse, Punta del Este.
He took part in the collective exhibition “Uruguayan Artists” organized by the Uruguayan Hispanic Culture Institute, which opened on December 16.
He began teaching drawing and painting at his studio on 1143 San José St.
1978
He held a solo exhibition at Bécasse in Punta del Este.
He designed the cover for the novel Ismael by Eduardo Acevedo Díaz, published by Ediciones de la Plaza.
His solo exhibition “Antonio Pezzino. Oils” ran from October 25 to November 8 at the Portal Gallery in Pocitos.
On December 1 his works were part of the collective exhibition “All Year Round” at the Portal Gallery, to celebrate its first anniversary.
1979
He took part in the “Oil Paintings Contest” from October 26 – November 11, sponsored by the Banco de la República Oriental del Uruguay; his entry was awarded a special mention.
He took part in the collective exhibition organized by Tiro de Arco Art Centre; paintings, sculpture, ceramics and tapestries were shown.
He designed several postage stamps: “Juana de Ibarbourou, Chico Carlo” and “Aldeas infantiles S.O.S.”, for the International Children’s Year; “Christmas”, “S.O.D.R.E. Chorus and Symphony Orchestra”, “La leyenda patria” and “Hispanic Heritage Day”, printed by the National Printers.
He terminated his work for Imprenta AS. Pezzino was the last of the original group to resign from his job with them.
1980
The Bafisur (South American Finance Bank) at Sao Paulo held the exhibition “Pavlotzky, Pezzino, Denry Torres”, curated by Pablo Marks.
In April Pezzino became a Uruguayan citizen.
His work was part of the collective exhibition “Uruguayan Artists”, a tribute to Professor Federico Moller de Berg, President of the National Fine Arts Commission, organized by the Kenny Clinic Municipal Cultural Committee, from May 9–18.
He illustrated the program for Didef. He designed several postage stamps: “40 years of the Iberoamerican Musicology Institute”, “Hispanic Heritage Day”, “VIII World Hereford Conference. Punta del Este” and “Christmas 80”, printed by the National Printers.
He took part in the “1980 Drawing Contest” organized by the Banco de la República Oriental del Uruguay.
1981
He designed several postage stamps: “Pinnocchio Centenary. Carlo Collodi 1881-1981”; “Joaquín Suárez and Canelones Department Bicentenary”; “Commemorating the 10th Lavalleja Week. Minas”; “High-Level Environment Rights Meeting”; and “Christmas” printed by the National Printing Press.
1982
He designed the postage stamp “Americas Air Forces Cooperation System” printed by the National Printers.
1983
He was a founding member of the Christian Art Association (Asociación de Arte Cristiano: AAC) and took part in the “Christian Art Exhibition”, November 23 – December 23, organized by the Association.
1984
He designed a project for postage stamps made with cut-up paper for the United Nations FAO contest, but his was not selected for printing.
He showed paintings at the “Christian Art Exhibition” from October 24 – November 16 at the AAC.
1985
From October 3 he took part in the collective exhibition at the Sur Gallery in Punta del Este.
He showed paintings at the “Christian Art Exhibition”, October 24 –November 15 at the AAC.
The Banco Exterior del Uruguay held the “Antonio Pezzino Exhibition” at the Art Salon “October 12th”.
He transferred his drawing and painting classes to his studio now on 707 25 de Mayo Street.
1986
From August 7–21, “Pezzino. Retrospective”, was held at the Italian Cultural Institute in Montevideo.
He showed paintings at the “Christian Art Exhibition” held from October 22 – November 14 at the AAC.
1987
He was a member of the jury for the “4th Christian Art Contest for Young People” organized by the AAC, which took place from August 27 – September 18.
He showed paintings at the “Christian Art Exhibition” held from October 14 – November 21 at the AAC.
1988
He was a member of the group of artists who held an exhibition in honor of Pope John Paul II’s visit, organized by the AAC from May 3–30.
He showed paintings at the “Christian Art Exhibition” held from October 13 –November 18 at the AAC.
1991
The Banda Oriental Classics Collection published the complete works of Humberto Megget with an introduction and notes by Pablo Rocca and illustrations by Pezzino on pages 1, 54 and 76.
1993
He was a member of the Association for the Certification of Works by Torres García Alumni, founded on June 30 as Honorary Secretary.
He took part in the “Christian Art Exhibition” held from July 8–30 at the Cabildo in Montevideo.
He was selected to send one of his works to the Vatican.
1994
His work Still Life with Flowers (1946) was part of the exhibition “Ambientarte”, celebrating World
Environment Day, held at the Cabildo in Montevideo from June 3–12. The works were auctioned to raise funds for an “Eco-fund”.
nineteen ninety five
His works were shown at the Botello Gallery in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
He took part in the collective constructive painting exhibition held at the R. Francisco Mazzoni Regional
Museum in Maldonado from December 16 to January 14 of the following year.
nineteen ninety six
He took part in the exhibition “J. Torres García, his School and ‘The material fact’”, held from May 9 to June 8 at the Praxis Gallery, New York. Pezzino traveled to the United States for the opening; also present were Julio Alpuy, Rodolfo Visca and Manuel Aguiar.
In August he began to illustrate the literary section for Tres. Revista de actualidad, Montevideo; he continued to do so until the following year.
1997
His oil painting Bodegón appeared on the labels of Cava Privada wines.
The book José Gurvich, “...pero yo voy a pintar”, with titles designed by Pezzino was published.
1998
On October 6 “Antonio Pezzino, 60 years in art” opened at the El País Contemporary Art Museum.
The catalogue included a text by the painter and also texts by María Luisa Torrens, Guido Castillo and Hugo García Robles.
The Renoir Gallery in Buenos Aires included works by Pezzino at the “Joaquín Torres García and his students” show from November 11–26.
His works were shown at the “TTG” show at the Sala Dalmau in Barcelona during November and December. Guido Castillo wrote the prologue to the catalog.
2001
He took part in the exhibition “Emergency Illustrations” which included films presented by the Cine Club with the programs designed by Pezzino (1956-59); it was organized at the art gallery of the Psychology School of the University of Buenos Aires, and coordinated by Juan Jorge Michel Fariña (Ilya) in connection with their “Film and Ethics” Conferences.
The design he made in 1958 for the National Film Board of Canada shows (screenings no. 534 and no. 536 of the Uruguayan Cine Club) was selected to illustrate the catalog.
Later, the Psychology School of the Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata exhibited “Emergency Illustrations” once again, during their 2nd National Conferences “The Place of Ethics in the Transmission and Practice of Psychology”, which took place in Mar del Plata on November 2–3.
The book Dumas Oroño, with titles designed by Pezzino, was published.
Castellana Auctions included Pezzino’s works in their catalog “Joaquín Torres García. The School of the South” for November 22.
2002
On December 16 Castellana Auctions included Pezzino’s works in their catalogue “Joaquín Torres García. The School of the South”.
2003
From March 10 – April 10 Pezzino exhibited his works at the United States Embassy in Uruguay.
The Renoir Gallery included his works at their “TTG” exhibition in Buenos Aires during the BA Art fair from June 13–22.
2004
After a long illness, Pezzino died in Montevideo on April 29, aged 82.
2006
The Uruguayan Ministry of Education and Culture declared his work of Cultural Interest.
The Río de la Plata Gallery included his work for their exhibition “Art: Art 2006, 2nd Edition”, in Punta del Este.
2008
From April 23 – May 25 the National Visual Arts Museum in Montevideo presented “Unpublished.
Works by the artist Antonio Pezzino (1921-2004)”, with an introductory text by Jacqueline Lacasa.
The catalogue has a text in Pezzino’s own words, an interview published by the daily La Mañana, an essay by the curator, Fernando Loustaunau and a memoir by his friend and fellow-student at the TTG, Manuel Aguiar.
His work was selected as representative of graphic design for Taschen’s book Latin American Graphic Design.
2010
The National Visual Arts Museum in Montevideo organized the exhibition “Antonio Pezzino, graphic designer”, from November 4 – December 5 curated by Rodolfo Fuentes who was also the author of the introductory critical essay.
2011
From November 24 to December 4 the show “Sketch Notebooks” with works by Julio Mancebo and Antonio Pezzino was held at the National Visual Arts Museum in Montevideo. On the day of the opening both artists’ books were presented, with texts by Ricardo Vieira Orsi, published in the Coleção
Gafanhoto, desenhos.
In November the new academic quarterly Journal de Ética y Cine, began publication; it bore a logo designed by Pezzino in 1959 to illustrate the program for the Week of French Cinema.
2012
His work was included in the collective show “The TTG” held by the Sala Dalmau in Barcelona from October 2 – November 13.
2015.
His work was included in “Constructive Universalism: Joaquín Torres García and the School of the South” written by María Cristina Rossi, published in L. Dhaenens (ed.), Art from Latin America, modern and contemporary, Tielt-Belgium, Lanoo Publishers.
2017
His work was part of the “Exhibition of Uruguayan Painters” held in honor of José Gervasio Artigas, which opened at the Uruguayan Embassy in Israel on June 17.
His work was shown in the “The TTG in Uruguayan Private Collections (1942-1962)” exhibition which opened on November 22 at the Gurvich Museum, curated by Rafael Lorente Mourelle.
2018
His work was included in the collective exhibition “Constructive Art” which opened on January 4 at the Mazzoni Museum in Maldonado, together with works by Blanca Minelli, Daniel Batalla, Daymán Antúnez, Edgardo Ribeiro, Gustavo Serra, Ignacio Olmedo, Juan de Andrés, Manuel Aguiar, Nicole
Vanderhoeght, Sergio Viera and Ricardo Pickenhayn.
The book NADAYAVE. Metaphysics of Universal Art (From ideas to representations) by Ricardo Pickenhayn included Pezzino’s pottery work.
2019
From January 18 to February 18 the exhibition “Antonio Pezzino 1921–2004” honoring Pezzino was presented at the R. Francisco Mazzoni Regional Museum in Maldonado.
On June 13 “Antonio Pezzino. Origins. Córdoba 1921–Montevideo 2004” opened at the Emilio Caraffa Museum in Córdoba, curated by Tomás Ezequiel Bondone and María Cristina Rossi.
The Provincial Government of Córdoba and the Córdoba Agency for Culture publicly recognized the Pezzino family for their commitment to disseminating the legacy of this great South American artist.
In the context of the exhibition, Manuel Aguiar gave a talk, “On Antonio Pezzino”, on June 14.
During the show’s duration, the museum organized guided tours and offered a special walkabout lead by Tomás Ezequiel Bondone on August 8.
His work was included in the Machiaro Gallery show “From Collection to Collection” which opened on August 9 in Córdoba.
On Friday, August 16, the publishing project Antonio Pezzino, coordinated by María Cristina Rossi, was presented at the 4th Hall of the José Figueroa Alcorta Higher School of Fine Arts in Córdoba.
The project included his artwork and designs, and texts by Rossi, Bondone, Aguiar and Gustavo Wojciechowski, and photography and design by Marcel Loustau. This event was organized by the School of Arts of the Provincial University of Córdoba, in the context of the exhibit presented by the Emilio Caraffa Provincial Museum of Fine Arts. There was oratory by Dean María Julia Oliva Cuneo as well as Bondone and Rossi.
“Antonio Pezzino, towards the origins (Córdoba, 1921 – Montevideo, 2004)” opened on October 23 at the Cultural Center of Spain in Buenos Aires (CCEBA), with the curatorship of María Cristina Rossi. At the opening ceremony, the exhibit was presented by Cultural Affairs Advisor of the Spanish Embassy
and Director of CCEBA Luis Marina Bravo, Secretary of Cultural Affairs of the Uruguayan Embassy María Gabriela Silva Canzani, and the curator.
The exhibit was programmed until December 13 and participated in the Night of Museums through the presentation “An encounter between the River Plate music of Kalén and the work of Pezzino”, with the participation of María Cristina Rossi and the Leandro Kalén Quartet. There were also activities surrounding the place of Pezzino in the realm of Uruguayan graphic design and a roundtable discussion presenting the book Antonio Pezzino.
2019
From January 18 to February 18 the exhibition “Antonio Pezzino 1921–2004” honoring Pezzino was presented at the R. Francisco Mazzoni Regional Museum in Maldonado.
On June 13 “Antonio Pezzino. Origins. Córdoba 1921–Montevideo 2004” opened at the Emilio Caraffa Museum in Córdoba, curated by Tomás Ezequiel Bondone and María Cristina Rossi.
The Provincial Government of Córdoba and the Córdoba Agency for Culture publicly recognized the Pezzino family for their commitment to disseminating the legacy of this great South American artist.
In the context of the exhibition, Manuel Aguiar gave a talk, “On Antonio Pezzino”, on June 14.
During the show’s duration, the museum organized guided tours and offered a special walkabout lead by Tomás Ezequiel Bondone on August 8.
His work was included in the Machiaro Gallery show “From Collection to Collection” which opened on August 9 in Córdoba.
On Friday, August 16, the publishing project Antonio Pezzino, coordinated by María Cristina Rossi, was presented at the 4th Hall of the José Figueroa Alcorta Higher School of Fine Arts in Córdoba.
The project included his artwork and designs, and texts by Rossi, Bondone, Aguiar and Gustavo Wojciechowski, and photography and design by Marcel Loustau. This event was organized by the School of Arts of the Provincial University of Córdoba, in the context of the exhibit presented by the Emilio Caraffa Provincial Museum of Fine Arts. There was oratory by Dean María Julia Oliva Cuneo as well as Bondone and Rossi.
“Antonio Pezzino, towards the origins (Córdoba, 1921 – Montevideo, 2004)” opened on October 23 at the Cultural Center of Spain in Buenos Aires (CCEBA), with the curatorship of María Cristina Rossi. At the opening ceremony, the exhibit was presented by Cultural Affairs Advisor of the Spanish Embassy
and Director of CCEBA Luis Marina Bravo, Secretary of Cultural Affairs of the Uruguayan Embassy María Gabriela Silva Canzani, and the curator.
The exhibit was programmed until December 13 and participated in the Night of Museums through the presentation “An encounter between the River Plate music of Kalén and the work of Pezzino”, with the participation of María Cristina Rossi and the Leandro Kalén Quartet. There were also activities surrounding the place of Pezzino in the realm of Uruguayan graphic design and a roundtable discussion presenting the book Antonio Pezzino.