#EUROPE 1957

1957 was a very full year, just like every other year was during Diego Voci’s (VOH-chee) lifetime (1920-1985). Diego Voci invited his nephew Tony Voci to travel Europe with him while Tony was stationed in the Armed Services. Here is an excerpt of a great memory:

Tony Voci recalls “Driving with my Uncle Diego, about every hour we would stop at a café for a smoke and espresso. To my surprise, Diego was greeted as “Diego” everywhere. “Diego” was his own celebrity. Diego loved people! And he never stopped drawing, even on napkins.”

Learn more click here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_Diego_Voci#Diego_travels_with_nephew

#DIEGO LOVED THE “CAFE” AS A MUSE AND AN INSPIRATION!

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Read more about the life of DIEGO VOCI:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_Diego_Voci

WHEN DID #INNOCENZO BECOME #DIEGO?

On this day on 10 August (1920) in Gasperina, Italy, Giuseppe Antonio Voci and Arcangela Messina Voci welcomed their second son, Antonio Innocenzo Voci  into this world… nicknamed “Toto” as a kid.  Antonio Voci never liked his middle name Innnocenzo.  It does not appear again in official documents other than the birth certificate on file in Gasperina.  He took the nickname “Diego”.

Tony Voci, nephew to Diego recalls traveling in Europe with his artist Uncle and about every hour they would stop at a café for a smoke and espresso.  To the surprise of Tony Voci, Diego was greeted as “Diego” everywhere.   “Diego” was his own celebrity.

Diego Voci and Tony Voci

The name “Diego” signed on his artwork didn’t come into play until 1966.  At encouragement of Naffouj Gallery he began signing his paintings “Diego”.  Prior to that it was some form of VOCI.  See signature section on #Wikipedia:   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_Diego_Voci#Gallery

The last known official document during Diego’s life was his 1976 Taunusstein Germany residence registration (see below) where “Diego” is listed as his middle name.

The December 10, 1985 Death Certificate ignores the birth middle name.

Some have wondered if Diego would have been more famous keeping the more unique name “Innocenzo” as his signature, rather than get lost in a swelling sea of Diegos, “Diego who?” .

Here’s a rewarding way to wish Antonio Diego Voci Happy Birthday.  Go to YouTube, click https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Diego+Voci and take a wonderful museum tour, a 20 year Diego retrospective covering two floors.  Or go to #Google, search “Diego  Voci” and click “Images”.

P.S. The mayor of #Gasperina, Gregorio #Gallello, just friended us on our Diego Voci Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/diego.voci Come and Join us!

 

 

“THE REAL #ACADEMY IS THE #CAFE”-DiegoVoci™

1974 Diego 1 of 8-page Catalog (Cover)

Page 2 Content of 1974 Diego Catalog by Coop Cooprider, DiegoVoci™Historian begins with this quote by DiegoVoci™ interviewed by journalist Victoria Williams in Germany:

“A man does not find interest to be artist… it
comes automatically.

You don’t ask yourself what day you have the idea…
it grows from yourself.”

#DiegoVoci™ painting “The Red Hand“, 1974, 100 x 80 cm, oil on canvas

Victoria Williams, free-lancing at the time, wrote the following biographical sketch:

“Antonio DiegoVoci™ was born August 10, 1920, in Gasperina, a little #village in south #Italy. Typical of most parents, Guiseppe Antonio and Messina Angela encouraged their son to study for a traditional #profession. His father said,  

‘The God of Art does not give bread Diego’

…but this was not important. The compulsion for #art was too strong – the pleasure too rewarding. DIEGO was born to paint. DIEGO sold his first painting at 18. Since then art has been his profession, his life; his complete livelihood.

“I paint for pleasure… I like to work.” – Diego

At 19, DIEGO began his studies the #ACADEMY #SANMARCO in #Florence where he was tutored during a 3 year period in the #arts of #painting and #sculpture.

DIEGO began traveling the world at 25, living the life of a true #Bohemian artist, painting for his room and food. DIEGO continued #studying, #painting and #meeting with other popular artists of the #century.”  

“The real academy is the Café… where you meet so many artists.” – Diego Voci™

Victoria Williams Interview continues on Page 3

AC DV History Post #12 5/6/2010