Gino Avon (1896 - 1984): Master of Mosaics and Craftsman of Friulian Artistic Heritage
Gino Avon, born in Udine in 1896, was one of Italy's most talented mosaic artists of the 20th century, leaving a profound and lasting artistic mark both in Italy and abroad. Raised in a family of mosaicists, he was introduced to the art by his father Andrea, and this family-based training remained a central feature of his artistic development. However, his education, which lacked a solid academic foundation, was something Avon regretted throughout his life.
Early Days and International Training
At a young age, Gino Avon moved to Nice and later to Paris, where his older brothers Vincenzo, Angelo, and Tommaso were already established mosaic artists. These overseas experiences allowed Avon to deepen his knowledge of mosaic techniques and explore various stylistic approaches. He returned to Friuli in 1923 and began an important teaching role at the Spilimbergo Mosaic School, where he taught until 1930, contributing significantly to the spread of mosaic techniques both in Friuli and beyond.
Activity in Udine and the Challenge of Protectionist Laws
In the 1920s, Avon opened his own workshop in Spilimbergo, which remained active until 1934 when it was forced to close due to the protectionist laws of Fascist Italy that restricted the export of works of art. This led him to relocate to Udine, where he opened a new workshop specializing in mosaic flooring and "alla veneziana" marble floors, expanding his artistic expertise into the realm of entrepreneurship. Some of his works from this period include the mosaic for the Monument to the Fallen in Spilimbergo and decorations for the Porto Said Tribunal in Egypt.
International Collaborations and Artistic Recognition
Gino Avon collaborated with some of the most renowned architects of his time, such as Umberto Nordio, D’Avanzo, Midena, Magistretti, and Caccia Dominioni, creating works that combined elegance with technical mastery. His dedication to tradition and high-quality work led to his involvement in the restoration of important historical mosaics. Through his collaboration with architect De Grassi, he was commissioned to restore the early Christian mosaics in Grado. In Trieste, he also restored mosaics in the Serb Orthodox Church and the façade mosaics of the Palazzo del Governo, contributing to the preservation of these extraordinary artistic legacies.
Works and Artistic Legacy
Avon’s work also extended to mosaics in the Police Railway Church in Tarvisio, the flooring at Palazzo Adria in Rijeka, and the University of Trieste. In addition to his collaborations with major architects, Gino Avon was in contact with famous artists like Mirko Basaldella, Ernesto Mitri, and Carlo Carrà. These connections helped him keep his style fresh and relevant, blending tradition and modernity seamlessly. His ability to translate architectural language into durable, elegant, and well-integrated decorative surfaces is a unique testament to his mastery and artistic vision.
Piazza della Libertà and Avon’s Legacy
Among his most significant works is the mosaic decoration of Piazza della Libertà in Udine, completed in the 1960s and now preserved as a valuable testimony of an era of rebirth and artistic innovation. With his passing in 1984, Udine and Italy lost one of the most passionate interpreters of mosaic art, but Avon’s legacy lives on in his works and in the collective memory of Friuli's artistic heritage.
Gino Avon remains a symbol of dedication and passion for the art of mosaics, an artist who preserved and innovated the mosaic tradition, honoring the Friulian artistic heritage and contributing to the appreciation of our cultural legacy through his work.
La Passione trasmessa al nipote
Gino Avon passed down his passion and expertise in art and restoration to his grandson Giulio Avon, who is now a founding member and expert of the association and a renowned architect. The son of Gianni, Giulio follows in the footsteps of his grandfather Gino, excelling in the field of restoration and architectural revitalization with major works on monuments such as Villa Manin, the Cividale Cathedral, and Piazza Ursella. With an innate love for art and architecture, Giulio Avon has also focused on designing exhibition layouts and promoting the cultural heritage of Lignano through volumes and exhibitions, continuing the family legacy with dedication and passion.
