BOLOGNA.- The prestigious Bologna Academy of Fine Arts has bestowed its first-ever honorary degree in Visual Arts Painting upon the acclaimed artist Luigi Ontani. The ceremony, held in the Aula Magna, was a significant event, marking a historic moment for the institution.

The event began with welcoming remarks from President Rita Finzi and Director Cristina Francucci. Professor Maria Rita Bentini, a renowned art historian, delivered a laudation honoring Ontani's extraordinary contributions to the art world. Following the laudation, Ontani himself delivered a captivating lectio magistralis, sharing his insights and artistic philosophy.

The ceremony culminated in the official conferral of the honorary degree, followed by a poetic reading by Lorenzo Sassoli de Bianchi.

The event coincided with the grand inauguration of the newly restored Ala Irnerio wing of the academy. This 2,000-square-meter space, designed by Farpi Vignoli and Melchiorre Bega in 1956, has undergone extensive renovation by Studio Architetto Egidio Lomi. The newly revitalized wing offers a modern and inspiring environment for students and faculty alike.

President Finzi expressed her enthusiasm about the academy's progress, stating, "This is a historic moment for our academy, as we award our first honorary degree to a prominent figure in the art world. We are also embarking on a new era with the launch of our first six doctoral programs and the inauguration of the renovated Ala Irnerio."

Director Francucci added, "We are honored to confer this honorary degree on Luigi Ontani, an internationally acclaimed artist. His groundbreaking work embodies the interdisciplinary spirit that defines our academic pursuits. We are grateful for his acceptance of this honor and his contribution to our institution's rich history."

Luigi Ontani, born in 1943, is a leading figure in contemporary Italian art. His artistic journey began in the 1960s, marked by experimentation with objects, performance, and photography. He gained international recognition for his unique approach, which often involved incorporating elements of history, myth, and popular culture into his work.

Ontani's work has been exhibited in prestigious museums worldwide, including the Guggenheim Museum in New York, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid. His innovative use of various media, such as painting, sculpture, and performance, has solidified his place as one of Italy's most influential contemporary artists.

The Bologna Academy of Fine Arts' decision to honor Luigi Ontani underscores his significant impact on the art world. The inauguration of the Ala Irnerio wing further strengthens the academy's position as a leading center for artistic education and innovation.