(1920 - 30 October 1999)

Author: Jayne Waterford

When Icilio was in the Italian army, he met his wife to be, Vera, in a Partisano Concentration Camp. He was a guard and she was a prisoner. After the collapse of Fascism in Italy, Icilio went on to be active in the C.L.N. and then emmigrated to Australia.

Icilio's son, Serge and his daughter-in-law, Judy are showing, Icilio: a lifetime of art at his old studio on Level 1, 16 - 18 Marsden Street, Camperdown. The exhibition coincides with what would have been his 80th birthday. The exhibition was warmly opened by Kris Cruden. Sadly for us, Icilio died 30 October 1999, largely unrecognized but collected by many.

Icilio's family are showing about a dozen pieces from his childhood, key works from their life in Venice, many sculptures, prints and his "Biros". The Biros are what Icilio considered to be his most original work.

Serge remembers the creation of the works in Venice. They are marked by intensity and thematic individuation. There is a portrait of Beethoven, an abstraction of a resigned and unresisting St. Sebastian and Cathedral facades. These works feel continental.

The drawings of Adam and Eve were executed shortly after Icilio brought his family to Australia on board the Castel Biancho in September 1950 through the International Refugee Organization. The figures were realized in plaster in 1963 & 65. (picture to be provided) Adam was then caste in bronze in the early 70s.

In the Australian works there is a leisure and enjoyment, a sense of work done for its own sake. Endless curves and energy that remains consistent through each piece but varies from work to work. Figurative speed and colourful tranquility is among these.

Icilio's family are considering a plan to produce several copies of Adam for future sale because of the interest that has been expressed.

His son has gone on to excel in the arts. Serge, has been teaching Shaolin - Chinese Buddhist Self Defense at Sydney Uni since '65. Judy sings in acepella choirs & works with Serge in the printing business. They are available on 02 9660 5131 or fax: 02 9552 4592.