About
Franco Leidi (1933-2008) born in Milan, was raised in Genoa. He lived in Liguria, Genoa and Recco before emigrating to Sweden in the early 70’s where he created a lifestyle which enabled him to focus on his art. He lived briefly in Stockholm working at the graphic department of Mejan, then Ostra Götaland, Slättaröd and finally Gothenburg and since 1993: Bärfendal in Bohuslän where he died 2008.Franco Leidi was known for his work; the work which also embodied the public debates he entered, with strong convictions concerning the power of art, freedom of expression and oppression of power structures. He did not mince words. In his work this can be seen as the clarity of line which seems to lack hesitation. Or emphasis turned into pools of tusche or delicate marks “like the sound of a swarm of bees” as described by poet Ilmar Laaban. He exhibited steadily since the 70's in circa 100 exhibitions--group shows, solo shows--from museums to galleries to the back of a supermarket.
The source of trauma, which is represented in the struggle of figures, of materials, in his work; was the experience of living through World War II in Italy. This is worked and reworked through drawing, engraving, sculpture and latest, recomposed in watercolor collage and assemblage.
He is remembered also for his teaching; for his persona; humorous, learned, inventive. The works he left behind, divided between two families, attest to his brilliance as an artist.
-Leslie Johnson & Dafne Leidi
Photography of work on this website: Rainer Tihvan, Johan Hedenström, Leslie Johnson unless otherwise indicated.
Download Franco Leidi's CV here