Fedele Azari And Futurist Aerial Theatre

Abstract Fedele Azari (1895-1930)1 grew up in the prosperous, industrialized zone north of Milan. The first aeronautical factories of Caproni and Macchi had been built near his home town. They regularly organized flying competitions and air shows, which captured the imagination of the young Azari and led him to win, at the age of 16, first prize in a model-making competition. In 1912 he joined the Futurist movement and became actively involved in the artistic enterprises of their Milan and Turin branches. According to his father ‘s wishes, he studied law at Turin University and for a while pursued the career of a lawyer. Because of his legal expertise he served as First Secretary of the Futurist movement and acted its as official representative at major public events, such as the First Futurist Congress of 1924. However, his real passion was flying, which in combination with Futurist aesthetics was the determining force of his short life.