Italo Scanga (1932-2001)
Biography
Italo Scanga was an Italian-born American artist known for his work in sculpture, ceramics, glass, prints, and painting. Scanga’s art, characterized by the use of found and ordinary objects, explored neo-Dadaism, neo-Expressionism, and neo-Cubism. Born in Lago, Italy, he immigrated to the U.S. in 1946 and later served in the U.S. Army. He earned his B.A. and M.F.A. from Michigan State University, studying under Lindsey Decker and Charles Pollock.
Scanga taught at several institutions, including the University of California, San Diego, and was known for his unique assemblages that combined natural and discarded objects into vibrant works often reflecting mythological themes. His notable “Potato Famine” series used potatoes as a symbol to explore themes of hardship and political injustice.
Scanga’s work is represented in major museum collections, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He passed away in 2001, and the Italo Scanga Foundation was established in his honor.