Farfa

Farfa, the pseudonym of Vittorio Osvaldo Tommasini (Trieste, 10 December 1881 – Sanremo, 20 July 1964), was an Italian painter, poet, graphic artist, poster designer, photographer and ceramist, and one of the most original figures of the second generation of Italian Futurism. Exceptionally eclectic and unconventional, he developed a creative language that combined visual art, poetry, typography, humour and experimentation.

His first encounter with Futurism came in 1910, when he attended a Futurist evening in Trieste. After moving to Turin, he established direct contact with Filippo Tommaso Marinetti and became increasingly involved with the movement. In 1924, using the pseudonym Farfa, he participated in the First Avant-Garde Exhibition organised by the Futurist Artistic Syndicates. During the following years, he exhibited in major Futurist events in Turin, Milan, Rome and Palermo.

By the late 1920s, Farfa had expanded his practice to advertising graphics, photography and ceramics. He became especially known for his “cartopitture”, distinctive paper compositions created through collage, printed fragments, images and geometric forms. Their unexpected juxtapositions, vivid visual rhythms and playful absurdity reveal connections with both Futurism and Dada.

In 1929, Farfa settled in Savona, where he became an important link between Futurist circles in Liguria, Turin and Milan. He was also closely connected with the experimental ceramics scene in nearby Albisola.

After the decline of Futurism following the Second World War, Farfa’s work was rediscovered in the late 1950s by leading avant-garde figures including Enrico Baj and Asger Jorn. His later recognition highlighted the remarkable continuity between his Futurist experimentation and post-war artistic movements.

Farfa’s work remains distinguished by its freedom, humour and multidisciplinary approach, combining painting, collage, poetry and design in a uniquely inventive body of work.