Ceramic traditions, Albissola

In 1954 Asger Jorn moved to Albissola in Italy – a town characterized by its old ceramic traditions. In the beginning he lived in a tent, but later borrowed the artist Fontana’s studio, until he himself could find a small modest abode in a small rundown villa. In August of the same year, as a result of Jorn’s own initiative, an art conference was arranged in town, with the participation of Fontana. At this same occasion, Jorn created four large ceramic wall piece at Mazotti’s workshop in town. Jorn purchased an old stone villa on a small mountain peak, and had the house renovated with the help of Umberto Gambetta.

 

In Albisola, Jorn also creates the grand ceramic wall-piece for Aarhus High School. In 1972 he makes 24 terracotta sculptures, of which 23 were made in bronze. In 1973 Jorn hands over the villa to the city, as well as his friend Umberto Gambetta and his wife, who could stay in the villa for as long as they both lived. Today the villa is a main attraction of the city, where one can experience the remnants of a vivid artistic life. Albissola still continues its ceramic traditions, and many artists have since come to the area for inspiration.