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Ugo Carrega — Cosa indovina il dado tratto
Ugo Carrega

Cosa indovina il dado tratto

1972

Ugo Carrega’s 1972 work, *Cosa indovina il dado tratto*, presents a striking visual and conceptual interplay. A thick, textured field of white paint, applied with evident force and distinct ridges, dominates the composition, appearing almost sculptural against a deep, velvety black background. Central to this luminous expanse is a dramatic black inkblot, bursting outward with fine, energetic splatters that suggest a moment of impact or spontaneous release. The raw materiality of the tempera and enamel creates a tangible surface, emphasizing the physical act of creation. Subtly embedded within the white, and partially disrupted by the ink, is the Italian phrase "cosa indovina il dado gettato?", posing a direct, intriguing question to the viewer. This compelling integration of word and image is a hallmark of Carrega’s pioneering work in concrete and visual poetry. A significant figure in the Italian avant-garde movements of the 20th century, Carrega masterfully blurs the boundaries between linguistic meaning and visual form. The phrase, "what does the thrown dice guess/foretell?", acts as both a literal question and a profound metaphorical commentary on artistic creation itself. It speaks to the element of chance, the unpredictable outcome of a gesture, whether it is the casting of a die or the spontaneous splash of ink on a canvas. Carrega invites contemplation on the role of fate versus deliberate action in the creative process, suggesting that profound meaning can emerge from seemingly random events. The work is not merely an aesthetic object but a philosophical inquiry, challenging viewers to consider the inherent uncertainties and discoveries within art and life, making it a powerful acquisition for any discerning collection focused on conceptual depth and historical significance.

Medium
Tempera and enamel on board

🔨 Auction Lot

Martini Studio d'Arte: Modern & Contemporary Art (December 2018)

December 20, 2018

Estimate: €6,000 to €7,000

Lot 93

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About this work

Ugo Carrega, Cosa indovina il dado tratto, 1972

Ugo Carrega’s 1972 work, *Cosa indovina il dado tratto*, presents a striking visual and conceptual interplay. A thick, textured field of white paint, applied with evident force and distinct ridges, dominates the composition, appearing almost sculptural against a deep, velvety black background. Central to this luminous expanse is a dramatic black inkblot, bursting outward with fine, energetic splatters that suggest a moment of impact or spontaneous release. The raw materiality of the tempera and enamel creates a tangible surface, emphasizing the physical act of creation. Subtly embedded within the white, and partially disrupted by the ink, is the Italian phrase "cosa indovina il dado gettato?", posing a direct, intriguing question to the viewer. This compelling integration of word and image is a hallmark of Carrega’s pioneering work in concrete and visual poetry. A significant figure in the Italian avant-garde movements of the 20th century, Carrega masterfully blurs the boundaries between linguistic meaning and visual form. The phrase, "what does the thrown dice guess/foretell?", acts as both a literal question and a profound metaphorical commentary on artistic creation itself. It speaks to the element of chance, the unpredictable outcome of a gesture, whether it is the casting of a die or the spontaneous splash of ink on a canvas. Carrega invites contemplation on the role of fate versus deliberate action in the creative process, suggesting that profound meaning can emerge from seemingly random events. The work is not merely an aesthetic object but a philosophical inquiry, challenging viewers to consider the inherent uncertainties and discoveries within art and life, making it a powerful acquisition for any discerning collection focused on conceptual depth and historical significance.

Medium
Tempera and enamel on board
Year
1972
Seen at
Martini Studio d'Arte

Related themes

Word and image, 20th Century, Visual Poetry, Language as Art, Male Artist, Expressive Texture, Gestural Mark Making, Tempera And Enamel, Mixed Media, Conceptual Art, Avant-Garde, High Contrast, Action And Gesture, Italian Artist, Abstract Expressionism, Black And White, Concrete Poetry, Italian Art, Abstract, Text And Image, Chance And Fate

More works by Ugo Carrega