Abstract
M.A. (Art History)
The sculpture of the mature artist Edoardo Villa is characterised by sequences of apparently contrasting phases. Analysis reveals that formal ideas from earlier periods are freely combined in new variations. Formal ideas unfold and are brought to fruition in a continuous development. Form, however, can never be analysed without considering its meaning. Previous writers on the sculpture of Edoardo Villa have, at various stages, identified most of its typical formal characteristics and indicated the meanings of specific phases. This thesis sets out to study, systematically and chronologically, Villa's whole oeuvre up to 1979. The evolution of his formal language, and the concomitant shifts of emphasis in meaning can be traced. Accordingly the
sculptures seem to fall roughly into eleven groups. The first chapter examines Villa's formative years in a classical Italian Humanist context, albeit in the Fascist period, and then his early years in South Africa (c. 1935-1957). From 1947 rapid changes occurred, both in form and meaning. ·A simplification of organic or geometric shapes gave way to
abstract sculptures, made possible in part by adopting the technique of welding
metal instead of modelling. Changes in meaning ~ere inevitable: in Italy commissions called for heroes and angels; during the war years traditional themes sought to convey the sentiments of a war-torn generation. The female archetype followed, to be replaced by universal forms of human or animal torsos. Conventional meanings disappeared from the abstract structures, which are intuitive images of his new ambience. The second chapter examines· the years 1958 to 1970 during which Villa mastered
metal in the creation of primarily vertical structures. However, modelling recurred at intervals, and a reciprocal influence between the two media took . place. For a time Villa's abstract works illustrate what van Peursen calls the functional nature of 20th century culture. Then Villa returns to figurative themes, creating archetypes in an expression of the mythological aspect of human consciousness, and showing similarities with African tribal art. Subsequently he arrived at images of an ontological nature, with less emphasis on the interrelationship of objects and a greater emphasis on the individual. By 1968 the linear, vertical and often frontal compositions were superseded by more massive horizontal and asymmetrical groups. The sculptures of the seventies are examined in the third chapter. Sign-like emblems of human groups were created with pipes. Bright colour became integral to Villa's formal language in non-figurative constructions. Vertical compositions were more open, and less symmetrical. Groups suggesting human figures reaffirmed Villa's main preoccupation. He seemed increasingly to express the moods of his time: massive, ebullient forms in a materially confident society; tensions of balanced line in a society under the stress of
evolution. Forms opened up further, textures became rougher, colours more earthy. By the end of the decade figuration was emphasized; the symbol returned. In the cyclic flow of Edoardo Villa's development, -he balanced the formal constraints of apparently contradictory qualities: organic and geometric, open and closed, vertical and horizontal, mass and movement. At various intervals Villa embodied signs, images, and symbols, expressing the functional stage of 20th century human consciousness, which encompasses both the mythological and ontological phases of its historic development.