LICALBE STEINER

Following the thread of their intense life, harshly marked by fascist oppression, a period during which they joined the Resistenza (Italian resistance movement against the occupying German forces), this exhibition represents an occasion to explore the work of two protagonists of visual research in the field of graphics in the 20th century.

Professional experiences are closely linked with biographical events in the path of Albe and Lica Steiner. Even though each has their own story and identity, they have been inseparable since their wedding, solemnized in 1938.

The richness of the archives made over 700 specimens available, which were divided by their specific themes following Albe’s notes handwritten for a possible monograph devoted to the creations of the LAS studio.

Focusing on each of the diverse activities endorsed by the couple, the itinerary explores their investigation of graphics and photography, publishing, magazines, advertising, setups, brands, product launches, billboards, graphics addressed to social activities, and professional training.

The final section is devoted to Lica’s activities carried out from 1974, when Albe passed away, to 2008, when the studio’s exhaustive archives were donated to the Politecnico University in Milan.

Original documents were used for the biographical sections; those same documents that Lica and Albe patiently conserved over time despite wars, destruction, journeys, that testify to their training, their history and – to quote Lica – that ‘intellectual union’ that saw them as one body and soul awarding them the nickname of “Licalbe”, one single identity.