Giulio D'Anna

Giulio D'Anna, born in Villarosa on August 30, 1908, and died in Messina on November 18, 1978, was a prominent Italian painter and publisher, best known for his contributions to Futurism and aeropainting. He was the first painter from Messina to exhibit at the 19th Venice Biennale in 1934 and the 2nd Rome Quadriennale in 1935, winning first prize among young artists at the Colonial Art Exhibition in Paris with his painting "Lettrice futurista". His work is characterized by innovative use of techniques and materials, as seen in pieces like "Ebbrezza visiva" (1928), considered his first aeropainting, and "Acrobazie di aerei Caproni" (1929-1931).
D'Anna never abandoned his family bookstore, which became a significant cultural hub in Messina. His creative vein was deeply inspired by themes of flight and speed, central to the Futurist movement, supported notably by Filippo Marinetti. In 1975, due to health issues, he was forced to cease his artistic activity. His artistic production includes oils, tempera, collage, and assemblage, often signed simply as "D'Anna".