Orio Galli Exhibition at m.a.x. museo in Chiasso

Orio Galli Exhibition: Grafica e Grafismi

The Orio Galli exhibition at m.a.x. museo in Chiasso took place from April 30 to October 8, 2023. It offered visitors a fascinating journey into the world of graphic design and visual communication.

The exhibition featured over 300 works by Orio Galli, a renowned Swiss graphic designer and painter.

Throughout his career, Galli also shared his knowledge with younger generations. In fact, he taught calligraphy, lettering, illustration, satirical drawing and graphic design.

Thanks to his experience and creativity, he developed a distinctive visual language. His work influenced advertising and helped establish his reputation as one of Switzerland’s most respected graphic designers.

A Journey Through Orio Galli’s Creative Career

The exhibition explored Orio Galli’s entire creative journey, from his earliest projects to the different stages of his career.

In particular, visitors could discover how his techniques evolved over time. The exhibition also revealed the creative processes behind some of his most significant works.

The collection followed a thematic and chronological structure. It included watercolour drawings, letterheads, posters, postcards, publications and artists’ books.

Moreover, “Orio Galli, Grafica e Grafismi” went beyond the world of advertising.

The artist also worked on books, posters, paintings and covers. As a result, his creative production reflected a wide range of artistic interests.

Galli donated his extensive archive to m.a.x. museo. Consequently, these works became part of the Centro Culturale Chiasso collection.

The exhibition therefore offered visitors an opportunity to explore this important artistic archive.

Above all, it celebrated the creativity and visual experimentation that characterised Orio Galli’s work.

The Life and Career of Orio Galli

Orio Galli was born in Milan in 1941, to a father from Ticino and a mother from Milan.

In 1943, when he was two years old, his family returned to Switzerland.

Later, in 1963, he obtained his Federal Certificate in Graphic Design. During those years, he also became involved in the Swiss graphic design community in Milan.

In 1968, Galli began his independent professional career by opening his own studio in Caslano, Switzerland.

Initially, he worked as a window display decorator. However, his career gradually developed as he received increasingly important commissions.

Over time, his talent and professional experience helped him become one of Switzerland’s leading graphic designers.