Draft:Alfredo S

Michele Depalma (Rutigliano, 21 April 1928 - Monopoli, 16 June 2016) was an Italian painter and Art Professor. Michele Depalma's artistic journey began in the early 1950s when he graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Naples. At the academy, he developed his skills under the tutelage of Emilio Notte, while also learning from esteemed instructors as Giovanni Brancaccio, Vincenzo Ciardo, and Costanza Lorenzetti. His talent soon earned him a place in prestigious international and national exhibitions, including the 1956 Venice Biennale, the 1959 Rome Quadriennale, and the celebrated ``Maggio di Bari,`` which would become the most prominent artistic showcase in Puglia, garnering national acclaim. He participated in the Young Painters Exhibition in Vienna, and had a solo exhibition in Paris, among other important art exhibitions. His paintings are featured in the Gallery of Modern Art in Rome, the Civic Museum of Rome, the Sannio Museum in Benevento, and in numerous private collections throughout Italy, including the Cozzi Collection in Florence, Martini Collection in Turin, Strega in Benevento, Macinagrossa and Massimeo in Bari, the National Engraving Department in Rome, and the Institute of Art History in Pisa. In 1976, he was offered a teaching position at the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, a prestigious opportunity in the world of art education. However, Depalma's deep-rooted affection for his native Puglia compelled him to leave Tuscany and return to his homeland. There, he dedicated many years to teaching at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bari, nurturing the next generation of artists. Throughout his illustrious career, Depalma received numerous accolades and honors, including a prestigious first-degree commendation for his exceptional contributions to education, culture, and the arts, bestowed upon him by the Minister of Education. Depalma's artistic evolution is a testament to his versatility and innovation. In the 1950s, he reimagined traditional styles with a focus on solid, vibrant volumes, forging his own distinctive figurative approach. This unique style drew inspiration from historical avant-gardes, capturing the essence of artistic movements of his time. However, in the 1960s, he embarked on a transformative journey, exploring a form of painting that transcended the limitations of color. Instead, he delved into the realm of delicate graphic rhythms. This marked a pivotal shift, gradually eroding the recognizability of objects and leading him toward abstraction. Within this abstract phase, Depalma's work found its foundation in a robust geometric and formal structure. Pure color fields became his canvas, each hue applied with extraordinary freedom and originality. The result was a distinctive and independent ``form`` that stood as a testament to his artistic vision, leaving an enduring mark on the world of art.